Argentina and England meet for the first time in a World Cup semi-final, with Messi facing the Three Lions at last

Argentina and England will play a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening at the Estadio Atlanta, the sixth meeting between the sides at the tournament and the first time Lionel Messi has faced the Three Lions. The match kicks off at 21:00 local time and carries the weight of a rivalry that stretches back to 1962, fuelled by political tension and iconic football moments.

A rivalry built across six decades

England hold the edge in World Cup meetings, with three wins, one draw and one Argentine victory. The first encounter came in the 1962 group stage in Chile, a 3-1 England win with goals from Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves. Four years later, at Wembley, a 1-0 quarter-final victory for the hosts was overshadowed by the expulsion of Argentine captain Antonio Rattín, who sat on the red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II and crumpled a British flag pennant.

The defining chapter arrived in Mexico in 1986, four years after the Falklands war. Diego Maradona scored the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century' in a 2-1 quarter-final win that remains the most famous match in World Cup history. Argentina fans still sing about the islands and Maradona. "Por Malvinas, por el Diego, por la última de Leo," they chanted after the quarter-final victory over Switzerland.

I've played against everyone except England, and it's special because they are a big team, a powerhouse, and it's always nice to play matches of this style, even more so in a World Cup semi-final.

In 1998, Argentina advanced on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the last 16, a match remembered for David Beckham's red card following an altercation with Diego Simeone. Beckham redeemed himself in 2002, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 group-stage win that eliminated Argentina.

Messi's missing opponent

Lionel Messi has played 205 international matches since his debut against Hungary in 2005, facing 62 different national teams. Brazil and Paraguay are his most frequent opponents, with 14 meetings each. He has played Spain three times, all in friendlies. England is the notable gap on his record, and the semi-final fills it at the most consequential moment. Messi has scored 21 World Cup goals, the most in the competition's history, and has eight in this tournament, level with Kylian Mbappé.

It's a football match. Let's not look for anything else. We're going to play a football match against a great team, with a great coach, whom I appreciate and admire a lot.

England's generation chasing 1966

England are playing their fourth semi-final at a major tournament since 2018, seeking a first World Cup final appearance since their 1966 triumph. Harry Kane has scored 73 goals in 64 international appearances and has six at this World Cup, though he was quiet in the quarter-final win over Norway. Jude Bellingham has been England's standout performer, scoring twice to rescue a mediocre team performance against Norway and secure the 2-1 victory.

We don't want to focus on all the history around it.

England's squad reflects a modern, multicultural nation. Players trace family roots to Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, Ivory Coast and Portugal. That diversity has become a political flashpoint. Rupert Lowe, leader of the far-right party Restore Britain, praised Bellingham after the Norway match, then days later criticised low-skilled immigration. Labour's Jacob Collier responded: "Jude Bellingham is someone Restore Britain would deport. You have no shame." Left-wing politician Zarah Sultana added: "Keep Jude Bellingham's name out of your mouth."

The tactical picture

England are considered stronger on paper, with a midfield built around Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, for whom Manchester City recently paid Nottingham Forest 135 million euros. Anthony Gordon has established himself on the left wing, with Noni Madueke on the right. Argentina reached the semi-final after a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, while England beat Norway 2-1. Both sides endured draining quarter-finals that went beyond 90 minutes.

Argentina are the defending champions, aiming for a third final in four editions. England are chasing a first final in 60 years. The winner will face either Spain or the other semi-finalist in the tournament decider.