Lionel Messi reacts to facing 'powerhouse' England in World Cup semi-final

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12 July 2026

World’s greatest ever player is set to face the

Three Lions

for the first ever time

Lionel Messi

says it will be "special" to face

England

for the first time

after

Argentina

set up a

World Cup

semi-final against the

Argentina secured their place in the last four with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland on Saturday, while

also needed an additional 30 minutes to overcome Norway 2-1.

The meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday will be the latest chapter in one of international football's most storied rivalries, although it will mark Messi's first appearance against

in an

shirt.

Speaking after the win over Switzerland, the 38-year-old described

as a "powerhouse" and said the occasion would be one to savour.

"Playing against

is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special," Messi told ESPN

"It's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except

, so it will be nice for that reason too.

"We'll experience it for what it is: a

semi-final against a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."

AFP/Getty

Argentina and

share a long

history, most famously their quarter-final meeting in 1986, when Diego Maradona scored both the controversial 'Hand of God' goal and one of the tournament's greatest solo efforts.

Their rivalry was further fuelled by David Beckham's red card during England's defeat in the 1998

last 16.

Forward Jose Manuel Lopez acknowledged the significance of the fixture but insisted Argentina's focus remains solely on football.

"It's a match-up with a lot of history, but we're professionals," he said. "We'll approach it like every other game and give everything until the end."

Julian Alvarez scored a stunning extra-time goal to help

overcome 10-man Switzerland, and believes

will provide another major test.

"We're very proud to be among the top four teams in the world," he said. "England have impressive players and are a great team. Now we need to recover well and prepare for the game."

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