Lionel Messi will finally face England for the first time in his two-decade international career when Argentina meet the Three Lions in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final. The 38-year-old, who has scored eight goals in this tournament to lead the race for the Golden Boot, has never played against the side he now describes as a 'powerhouse'.
Argentina and England meet at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a venue both teams know: England beat DR Congo there in the round of 32, while Argentina overcame Egypt in the last 16. The climate-controlled stadium with a retractable roof should keep conditions pleasant, but a low chance of thunderstorms remains a concern. FIFA protocol requires suspension if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius, with a 15-minute warm-up needed after a 30-minute clear period.
“Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.”
England arrive after a turbulent quarter-final. Thomas Tuchel labelled his side 'lucky' to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time, prompting an angry response from Jude Bellingham. 'Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions against Haaland, Odegaard, Nusa and Sorloth,' Bellingham said. 'You can't win every game popping the ball, sometimes you have to win dirty.'
The other semi-final sees France face Spain on Tuesday. Two-time winners France have Kylian Mbappe on eight goals, Ousmane Dembele on five, and Michael Olise leading the tournament with five assists. Spain are on a record 36-match unbeaten run, though their star Lamine Yamal — who turns 19 on the eve of the tie — has scored only once. Mikel Oyarzabal has gone two games without a goal, requiring substitute Mikel Merino's late interventions to beat Portugal and Belgium.
The winners will meet in the final. For Messi, it is a chance to add a second World Cup to his collection; for England, a first final since 1966. The margin for error, as the last four know, is almost non-existent.