Lionel Messi is set for a rare career first when Argentina face England in tonight's World Cup 2026 semi-final tie. Wednesday's heavyweight clash in Atlanta will mark the record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's maiden appearance against the Three Lions.
Messi's International Career
Despite an illustrious international career spanning 21 years and 205 senior caps - including outings against Mauritania, Estonia and Angola (twice) - Messi has never before faced England.
Thomas Tuchel's side needed extra time to edge out Norway 2-1 in their quarter-final, thanks to a double from Jude Bellingham, who afterwards issued a blunt response to his manager's criticism of the team's performance.
England's World Cup Journey
In doing so, England reached their second World Cup semi-final in the last three tournaments after only previously reaching one (1990) since their sole victory in 1966. Now, they will face three-time champions Argentina after the holders beat Switzerland 3-1 in their own quarter-final, which also required extra time, thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister.
Messi's World Cup Records
Messi, 39, has scored eight goals at the 2026 World Cup so far and is the leading tournament scorer of all-time with 21. He sits just one above France's Kylian Mbappe, who is also on eight for the 2026 edition. After his goal against Jordan in the group stage, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive games - and extended it to nine against Egypt, until he blanked in the quarter-final against Switzerland.
Historical Context
The last time England and Argentina faced off was on November 12, 2005 in a friendly in Geneva, which the Three Lions won 3-2 thanks to two late goals from Michael Owen. A young Messi was not involved that day after being sent off on his Argentina debut against Hungary three months earlier.
It will be Messi's 33rd World Cup game as his side attempt to become just the third in history to retain the trophy, after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
Argentina and England have met plenty at the World Cup in the past, most recently in 2002 and 1998. David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone in France before atoning for his error four years later in Japan. The most famous encounter is unquestionably England's quarter-final loss in Mexico City in 1986, when the late Diego Maradona scored a goal widely considered among the best of all time, alongside the infamous 'Hand of God' in a 2-1 win for Argentina.
