Lionel Messi says facing England in a World Cup semi-final will be “special” as Argentina prepare for a blockbuster showdown with the Three Lions in Atlanta.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will come up against England for the first time at international level after both sides needed extra time to book their place in the last four.
England edged past Norway 2-1 thanks to a Jude Bellingham double, while Argentina overcame Switzerland 3-1 with Julian Alvarez scoring a stunning extra-time winner.
Despite Argentina and England sharing some of the World Cup’s most iconic moments, Wednesday’s match will mark Messi’s first appearance against the Three Lions for his country.
The 39-year-old admitted memories of the famous 1986 quarter-final remain deeply embedded in Argentine football culture.
“Everything I have seen and remember about Argentina versus England from 1986 is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.
“But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.
“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.”
Messi also admitted there is an extra sense of occasion because England are the only major nation he has never previously faced.
“Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them,” he said.
“I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.
“And we’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
Argentina players aware of history
The rivalry between the two nations stretches far beyond football, with Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and remarkable solo effort in 1986 remaining defining moments in World Cup history.
David Beckham’s red card during England’s defeat to Argentina in 1998 added another controversial chapter to the fixture.
Argentina forward Jose Manuel Lopez acknowledged the weight of history surrounding the contest.
“From the perspective off the field, it’s a match-up with a lot of history with a lot of pain and a lot of story behind it,” he said.
“But we’re professionals, we will play it like we have the last games until the very end like we showed today, giving our everything.
“It’s obviously a special match; it’s a semi-final of the World Cup.”
Lopez added that reaching this stage of the competition was the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
“Personally, and probably like all my team-mates, since we started kicking the ball we dreamed of playing this,” he said.
“We don’t need more motivation than that.”
Alvarez warns of England threat
Argentina’s route to the semi-finals was secured by a brilliant extra-time strike from Alvarez against Switzerland after the Europeans had been reduced to 10 men.
The Manchester City forward expects another difficult challenge against an England side he believes has impressed throughout the tournament.
“We are very proud to be among the top four teams in the world,” Alvarez said.
“England, we know, has impressive players.
“They are a great team that’s been doing things well at this World Cup but we need to recuperate and prepare our game.”
The winners of Wednesday’s encounter will face either Spain or France in next Sunday’s World Cup final.
