Lionel Messi has never faced England. Not in 200 international appearances, not in 125 goals for Argentina, not once in a career that spans two decades and eight Ballon d'Ors. That changes on Wednesday night in Atlanta.
Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland in Kansas City set up the semi-final meeting, just hours after England beat Norway. The defending champions are now one win away from a second consecutive World Cup final, a feat they have never achieved before.
“Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in a World Cup semi-final after Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1.”
"Everything I have seen and remember is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive," Messi said, referring to the historic 1986 quarter-final between the nations. "Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special."
The 39-year-old, who leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals alongside Kylian Mbappe, failed to score against Switzerland for the first time in the tournament. But his influence extended beyond the scoresheet. On Instagram, he wrote: "Again it suffered but this team never stops believing. We're in the top four in the world again!!! Let's f*g go."
BBC pundit Micah Richards warned: "England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited." Wayne Rooney, speaking on BBC Sport, highlighted both a weakness and a weapon: "He can be a weakness defensively for Argentina. He doesn't run back, but he has big moments ... He comes to life in moments of the game."
Chris Sutton, on BBC Radio 5 Live, offered a caution: "This isn't a great Argentina team but they do have a habit of finding a way."
Messi himself acknowledged the rarity of Argentina's run. "This group has got people used to doing things that aren't normal: it's not easy to come back from being world champions, winning everything we won, and then continue competing ... It's not normal, that's why we have to enjoy it so much."
The semi-final kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, live on BBC One and iPlayer. The winner faces either France or Spain in Sunday's final. For Messi, after a career of almost every possible achievement, this is the one fixture that has eluded him — until now.