Messi set for long-awaited first England clash in World Cup semi-final

Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his storied international soccer career when Argentina meets the European powerhouse in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. This highly anticipated match in Atlanta has been described by the Argentine Football Association as "the match fate owed Messi."

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It's special because they're a great team, a powerhouse, and it's always nice to play a team like that, a match of this kind.

Despite playing for over two decades and facing numerous top international teams, Messi has never crossed paths with England. The closest encounter was a friendly in 2005, which Argentina lost 3-2, and Messi was not involved after being sent off in his debut earlier that year.

Argentina has navigated a challenging path to the semi-finals, surviving three consecutive knockout matches that went down to the wire. Messi has been instrumental, contributing an assist in their quarter-final win against Switzerland, though he did not score in that match. The team has shown resilience, coming from behind in previous rounds.

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We need to rest because we come from a lot of wear and tear, which the group obviously feels, and arrive in the best possible condition to keep doing what we've been doing: competing.

Commentators note the unique significance of this matchup, highlighting Messi's individual brilliance and the team's collective effort. The game promises to add another chapter to the intense rivalry between Argentina and England, fueled by decades of sporting drama and historical tension.

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England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited. Marking him is impossible because he doesn't run back.