Lionel Messi didn't have the chance to play against England in that 2002 match, as he had not yet turned professional.
England and Argentina are gearing up for a high-stakes semifinal showdown at the 2026 World Cup, a marquee matchup amplified by former Three Lions star Joe Cole predicting his home nation will shut down Lionel Messi and advance to the final.
Ahead of the high-stakes semifinal showdown between Argentina and England, Lionel Messi was asked about the gravity of the match, which marks the first time in his legendary career that he will face the English national team.
Harry Kane for England and Lionel Messi for Argentina have been their teams’ biggest figures throughout the 2026 World Cup. The two leaders will go head-to-head on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium.
A tense, high-stakes atmosphere boiled over into confrontation during the first half of the Argentina-Switzerland quarterfinal, as cameras captured a furious Lionel Messi locked in a heated, nose-to-nose exchange with head referee João Pinheiro.
Breel Embolo was sent off against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, a decision that did not sit well with Murat Yakin and the Switzerland squad.
England's dramatic victory over Norway secured a historic World Cup semifinal against Argentina, but many fans were left wondering whether Jude Bellingham would be suspended.
Argentina and England will face off in one of the 2026 World Cup semifinal matchups at Atlanta Stadium.
Following a hard-fought win over Switzerland, Lionel Messi took to social media to celebrate Argentina's victory and share an inspiring message ahead of the semifinals.
As Argentina won vs. Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup, Julian Alvarez said the team is not focusing on social media noise.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni commented on the reality of Argentina as they prepare for their semifinal matchup against England in the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina are set to clash with England in a grudge match, but will this bad-blood encounter be a first for Lionel Messi?
The semifinal matchup between England and Argentina at the 2026 World Cup is officially confirmed, with the venue and date already established.
Registering implies accepting the Terms and Conditions