Lionel Messi will finally meet England on Wednesday in Atlanta as Argentina chase a place in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi's first England encounter
At 39, Messi has amassed 205 caps for Argentina but has never played against England. The only previous meeting between the two nations during his career came in a friendly in Geneva in November 2005, where Argentina fell 3‑2 after Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen each found the net, overturning goals from Hernán Crespo and Walter Samuel. The Argentine Football Association described the upcoming clash as "the match fate owed Messi".
"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," Messi told reporters after Argentina's 3‑1 quarter‑final win over Switzerland. He added that the squad needed rest after a taxing knockout run, saying, "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."
How Argentina and England got here
Argentina arrived in North America as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in Qatar four years ago after beating France on penalties. The team swept Group J, with Messi lighting up the tournament early – a hat‑trick against Algeria, two goals versus Austria and another against Jordan. The knockout phase proved tougher: extra‑time was needed to beat Cape Verde, a 14‑minute three‑goal surge overturned a 2‑0 deficit to Egypt, and a late extra‑man effort saw them edge Switzerland in the quarter‑finals.
England topped their group with wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana. They then beat DR Congo 2‑1, eliminated co‑hosts Mexico 3‑2 after playing most of the second half with ten men, and overcame Norway 2‑1 after extra time in their quarter‑final. "England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited," BBC pundit Micah Richards said.
The Wednesday match adds another chapter to a rivalry that has spanned decades, offering Messi the chance to finally cross the England line in a World Cup setting. A win for Argentina would send the defending champions to the final, while England will look to prove they can outpace the South American powerhouse.
Frequently asked questions
When will Lionel Messi play against England in the World Cup?
Lionel Messi will face England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Has Lionel Messi ever played against England before?
No, this will be Messi's first encounter with England in a World Cup setting. They previously met in a 2005 friendly, which England won 3-2.
How did Argentina and England perform in their group stages?
Argentina swept Group J, while England topped their group with wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana.
Where is the Lionel Messi vs England semi-final being played?
The match will be held in Atlanta, USA, as part of the 2026 World Cup semi-final stage.
