Messi to Face England for First Time in 2026 World Cup Semifinal

Lionel Messi is set to confront a unique challenge in the 2026 World Cup semifinals: England. Despite facing and conquering every other nation that has lifted the coveted trophy, the Argentine superstar has never played against the "Three Lions," the inventors of football.

This upcoming match carries significant historical weight, given the deep-seated rivalry between Argentina and England. The tension was famously amplified during the 1986 World Cup, where Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" propelled Argentina to a 2-1 victory in the quarterfinals. Forty years later, Messi is eager to add another chapter to this historic encounter.

"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," Messi stated after Argentina's quarterfinal win over Switzerland. The last time these two nations met on the World Cup stage was in the 2002 group stage, with England securing a 1-0 victory via penalty.

Messi's career boasts an impressive record against other football giants. He has defeated Germany, Brazil, Italy, France, Uruguay, and Spain. While Germany has handed him some of his most painful World Cup defeats, including the 2014 final, Messi has also secured symbolic victories against France in the unforgettable 2022 final and against Italy in the 2022 Finalissima. His triumph over arch-rival Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final marked a significant milestone in his career.