Lionel Messi has sent a warning to England's players ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final clash in Atlanta. The defending champions Argentina will face the Three Lions, with a place in the final against either France or Spain on the line.
Messi's X-Rated Warning
After Argentina's victory over 10-man Switzerland in Kansas, Messi took to Instagram with an X-rated message: 'Again it suffered but this team never stops believing. We're in the top four in the world again!!! Let's f*****g go.'
In an interview with ESPN Argentina, the Inter Miami star added: 'Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive. But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.'
First Meeting with England
Messi acknowledged the significance of facing England: 'Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special. Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.'
'We'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again,' he said.
Argentina's Path to the Semifinal
Despite Switzerland's positive start, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring after just 10 minutes with a header from a corner. Switzerland equalised through Dan Ndoye just after the hour-mark, but their momentum halted when a yellow card for Leandro Paredes was reversed by VAR, and Breel Embolo was instead booked for diving – his second yellow of the match. Embolo was visibly distraught as he left the field.
The match went to extra time, where Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed victory for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni's side.
Scaloni's Reflections
Scaloni commented on the match: 'The truth is that luck was on our side today, because they had a player sent off and, from there, the team went on the attack. We have to be realistic, we have things to improve on, but winning is always better. That said, what this team achieved today is historic. Even though we could have played better, being in a semi-final again is historic.'
Regarding England, Scaloni said: 'It doesn't matter whether it's England or Norway. We're going to come up against a team that plays very well and has a great coach.' He added: 'When you reach a semi-final, you need to suffer. You need to go through it.'
