Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has revealed that England is the only prominent football nation he has yet to face throughout his career.
The Argentine icon expressed his enthusiasm about competing against them in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, describing the historic encounter as a distinctive event.
Read Also:World Cup 2026: Messi Can Be Weakness Defensively For Argentina –Rooney
It’s worth noting that Argentina clinched their spot in the semi-finals with a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland on Saturday, while England also required an additional 30 minutes to defeat Norway, 2-1.
The clash in Atlanta on Wednesday will mark the next chapter in one of international football’s most celebrated rivalries, although it will be Messi’s first time facing England while representing Argentina.
“Competing against England is significant because they are a football powerhouse, and encounters with such teams are always memorable,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.
“This is the first occasion I’m set to play against them. I’ve faced every other team except England, so that adds to the excitement.
“We’ll treat it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a formidable opponent, and we’ll aim to be in our best condition to compete effectively.
“This is a match with considerable history, but we’re professionals. We’ll approach it like any other game and give our all until the final whistle.”
Read Also:Alvarez: Argentina Will Do Everything To Help Messi Win World Cup 2026
Messi also took the moment to commend the mindset of the Argentine squad, which remains driven even following their recent global and continental victories.
“This team is relentless; they always seek more and aim to stand alongside the best. What this group has accomplished is remarkable: winning the World Cup, clinching the Copa América, and reaching the semi-finals once again,” he added.
