Messi calls England World Cup semifinal 'special' as Argentina eyes historic clash

Lionel Messi described Argentina's World Cup semifinal clash against England as "special," marking the first time he will face the Three Lions in an international match. "I've played against everyone except England, and it's special because they are a big team, a powerhouse, and it's always nice to play against a team like that, especially in a World Cup semifinal," the Argentine captain said after their quarterfinal victory over Switzerland.

The highly anticipated match, scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta, carries significant historical undertones. It comes exactly 40 years after Diego Maradona led Argentina to a memorable win against England in the 1986 World Cup, a victory still remembered in the context of the 1982 Falklands War. Despite the historical backdrop, Messi emphasized the current team's remarkable consistency.

"This group has accustomed people to things that are not normal," Messi added. "It's not easy to come from being world champions, from winning everything we've won, and still compete and remain at the highest level, being among the top four."

Although Messi has played over 200 matches and scored 125 goals for Argentina, he has never faced England. This unique situation arises despite both nations being football powerhouses. The last time England and Argentina met was in 2005, shortly after Messi's senior debut. He was controversially sent off just 30 seconds into his international debut against Hungary and missed the subsequent match against England in Geneva due to suspension. In that 2005 encounter, England secured a 3-2 victory with two late goals from Michael Owen, in a game without the then-young Messi.