Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career when defending champions Argentina meet the Three Lions in the World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The tournament's leading scorer with eight goals and two assists in six appearances, Messi is expected to be fit despite sustaining a cut above his eye during Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarter-final. Teammates Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes were withdrawn for fatigue and tactical reasons respectively in that match, with neither suffering injuries. England advanced by beating Norway 2-1 in extra time.
The two nations last met at a World Cup in 2002, when England won 1-0 via a David Beckham penalty. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford warned his squad not to be overawed by Messi, while former England winger Joe Cole said his country would "put Messi to bed". The winner advances to Sunday's final.