Messi anticipates 'special' World Cup semifinal against England

Lionel Messi admitted that Argentina's World Cup quarterfinal victory over Switzerland was a physically demanding match. The captain stated that the Swiss team applied constant pressure, denying Argentina space and disrupting their preferred style of play.

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It was a very difficult match. The opponents were constantly pressing us, leaving no free space, so we couldn't play as we wanted. The game was very intense.

"It was a very difficult match. The opponents were constantly pressing us, leaving no free space, so we couldn't play as we wanted. The game was very intense," Messi told ESPN Argentina. He also reflected on the team's performance after scoring, noting they retreated too deep and struggled to initiate attacks from their own half, often resorting to long passes.

Argentina secured their semifinal spot by defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. The match also saw a VAR decision that overturned a yellow card for Leandro Paredes, who was initially penalized for a foul on Breel Embolo but was later deemed to have simulated the contact. Despite the controversy and the team's challenges, Messi emphasized the importance of the win and advancing in the tournament.

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After scoring, we retreated a bit too deep. We also had difficulty starting attacks from our own half, so we often had to play long passes. Nevertheless, the most important thing is that it ended with our victory and we took another step forward.

Messi's personal nine-game scoring streak in World Cups, with at least one goal per match, ended in the quarterfinal. However, he remains among the tournament's top scorers with eight goals, level with Kylian Mbappé. Argentina is set to face England in the semifinals, a matchup Messi described as special and one he eagerly awaits as it will be his first time playing against the English national team.

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Playing against England is always special. They are one of the strongest national teams in the world, so such matches always bring special emotions. For me, it will be the first encounter with the English national team, so I am looking forward to it with impatience.

"Playing against England is always special. They are one of the strongest national teams in the world, so such matches always bring special emotions," Messi said. He affirmed Argentina's commitment to defending their World Cup title and delivering their best performance against England.

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It's a World Cup semifinal against a great team. We will try to prepare as best as possible and show our best game once again.