Messi: It’s a special game because it’ll be my first time playing against England

The captain of the Argentina national team, forward for MLS champions Inter Miami Lionel Messi, spoke about Argentina’s upcoming match against England. The two teams will meet in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"It’s a special game because it’ll be my first time playing against England. I’ve played against just about everyone except them. It’s special because they’re a great team, a football powerhouse, and it’s always exciting to face opponents like that, especially in a World Cup semifinal," Messi said, Ole reports.

The England vs. Argentina semifinal match will be played Wednesday in Atlanta, USA, and will kick off at 23:00 Armenia time.

The last time England and Argentina met in an official match was during the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. England had won 1-0 thanks to a goal by David Beckham and advanced to the Round of 16, while Argentina had failed to progress beyond the group stage in that tournament.