Lionel Messi will face England for the first time when Argentina meets the Three Lions in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals tonight. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, playing his 206th senior international match, has scored 125 goals for Argentina and leads the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals and two assists in the tournament. England must find a way to stop him to reach their first World Cup final since 1966.
Cut Off the Supply Lines
Thomas Tuchel and his coaching staff have emphasized the importance of denying Messi the ball. Argentina's midfielders and full-backs constantly seek to feed him, even during build-up play. England's midfielders must stay alert to Messi's position and close off passing channels to prevent him from receiving the ball in dangerous areas.
Force Him Wide
Messi is less effective from tight angles, and England can exploit this by shepherding him toward the sidelines. At this World Cup, Messi has walked 47% of the distance he has covered—the highest percentage among outfield players—indicating he conserves energy for central runs. England's full-backs, center-backs, and midfielders can deny him space in the center, where he has thrived for two decades. The air-conditioned Atlanta Stadium should help England maintain the stamina needed for this pressing tactic.
Beware Silly Free-Kicks
Messi is as dangerous from set-pieces as from open play. He demonstrated this by converting a free-kick against Jordan in the group stage, despite a gap in the wall and poor goalkeeping. England's players, including Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Elliot Anderson, must avoid conceding needless fouls near the box, as Messi remains lethal from dead-ball situations.
