Messi to Face England for the First Time, Poised to Create a Historic Chapter

In a football career spanning over 20 years, Lionel Messi has never had the chance to play against England—until now. That wait is coming to an end as former champions Argentina and England will face off in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For 39-year-old Messi, this match marks his very first encounter with England at the international level and holds immense significance. The footballing history between Argentina and England is deeply meaningful. Kathmandu, 12 July.

Messi’s contributions to the world of football are increasingly limited as his illustrious career advances. An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, World Cup-winning captain, Argentina’s most capped player and top scorer, as well as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, Messi’s legacy is defined by these achievements. However, throughout his two-decade-long international journey, Messi had never faced England until now. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, the historic former champions Argentina and England will meet in Atlanta. This match will not only decide who advances to the final but will also add a new chapter to one of world football’s most renowned rivalries. At the center of this new chapter will be 39-year-old Messi.

Having played over 200 games for Argentina and scored 125 goals, Messi has competed against top opponents like Brazil, Uruguay, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. Yet, he has never played against England. Interestingly, Messi’s potential final World Cup appearance will also be his first match against England—and at the semifinal stage. How will Messi be stopped? With eight goals in this tournament, he stands alongside France’s Kylian Mbappé as the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Although Messi was held goalless for the first time in the quarterfinal against Switzerland, Argentina managed a 3-1 victory in extra time to secure their place in the semifinals.