Argentina and England will revive one of football’s most storied rivalries when they meet in Atlanta for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with Lionel Messi set to face the Three Lions for the first time in his glittering career.
The semi-final carries the weight of history, recalling iconic World Cup clashes stretching back six decades.
From the bruising quarter-final at Wembley in 1966 to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Hand of God” and stunning solo goal in Mexico 20 years later, encounters between the two nations have consistently transcended football. Their most recent World Cup meeting came in France in 1998, when David Beckham’s red card preceded England’s penalty-shootout defeat.
Yet, amid the memories and emotions surrounding one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, the focus in Atlanta will inevitably centre on Messi and Argentina’s pursuit of back-to-back world titles.
Having inspired Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, Messi arrives at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium chasing another final appearance in what could be his last World Cup campaign. Remarkably, despite making a tournament-record 32 World Cup appearances and collecting 200 international caps, the 39-year-old has never previously played against England.
“I have played against everyone except England and it is special because they are a major nation, a powerhouse,” Messi said after Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland. “It is always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semi-final.”
Argentina have been tested throughout the knockout stage but continue to find ways to win. Lionel Scaloni’s side survived a scare against Cape Verde before overturning a two-goal deficit against Egypt in the last 16. Their quarter-final against Switzerland also went the distance, with Julián Alvarez finally breaking Swiss resistance in extra time before Lautaro Martínez sealed a 3-1 victory.
The defending champions have now won 13 consecutive matches since last September and remain on course to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. Argentina have scored three goals in each of their last four matches and need only two more goals to surpass their highest tally at a single World Cup.
England, meanwhile, have reached their fourth major semi-final since 2018 and stand within touching distance of a first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966. Thomas Tuchel’s side have overcome DR Congo, Mexico and Norway in the knockout rounds, although defensive frailties have persisted despite a four-match winning streak.
Jude Bellingham has emerged as England’s driving force, scoring braces in successive matches to join captain Harry Kane on six goals at the tournament. Kane is poised to become England’s most-capped outfield player, while Jordan Pickford insists the squad are prepared for every scenario, including the possibility of penalties.
“It’s us against them to get a place in the final,” the goalkeeper said. “Whether it is 90 minutes, 120, or penalties, we’re ready for anything.”
England’s confidence from the spot contrasts with Argentina’s experience in gruelling knockout encounters. La Albiceleste have already played extra time twice, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s reputation as a penalty specialist looms large should the match remain level.
Pickford, who knows Martínez well from the Premier League, acknowledged his counterpart’s quality. “His antics are his antics, but as a goalkeeper he’s a top keeper,” he said. “He’s done that for Aston Villa, he’s done it for Argentina.”
For Messi, Wednesday presents another opportunity to strengthen a legacy that already places him alongside Maradona in Argentine football folklore. For England, it is a chance to overcome old ghosts and move one step closer to ending a 60-year wait for world glory.
History, rivalry and the promise of another chapter in football’s grandest theatre await in Atlanta in the second semifinal.
