Read 3 minutes13 Jul 2026 09:51 AM IST
As England and Argentina meet for the first time in 24 years at the FIFA World Cup in the second semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night, former England footballer Lionel Messi is equal parts nervous about the elements and confident.
Despite scoring 125 goals in 205 internationals, the 39-year-old Messi senior will face England for the first time in an Albiceleste shirt. Messi leads the goal-scoring charts with eight goals, while his original run of nine goals in a row ended in the quarter-final clash against Switzerland. Despite doubling his assist tally, Messi will face a tough challenge against England’s attacking threats in the semi-finals, according to England legend Wayne Rooney.
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Although Rooney praised Messi’s ability as a decisive man, creating chances with split-second moves, he felt the Argentina captain’s poor defensive output could work against the team in the semi-finals.
“He can be a weakness defensively for Argentina,” Rooney said on BBC Sport. “He doesn’t run back, but he has big moments like Jude Bellingham. He has big moments and moments of quality. The thing about Messi is his decision-making – he comes alive in the moments of the game and he makes the right decisions. Marking Lionel Messi is all about concentration and communication. Communicating with your teammates may not dictate the position you choose.”
‘Impossible to beat Messi’s aura’
England cruised into their first semi-final since 2018 against Norway thanks to a brace from Bellingham, while Argentina relied on a wonder strike from Julian Alvarez in the 112th minute to stun Switzerland and Lautaro Martinez sealed a 3-1 extra-time win. According to former Three Lions defender Micah Richards, Messi is still almost impossible to mark for the Englishman, even though he has endured a subdued game.
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“England can beat Argentina, but they only have a little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited,” Richards told the BBC.
“He’s impossible to mark because he doesn’t run back. He gets into small spaces where he really shouldn’t be. He switches at the right time. [and] He has the best technique. His spatial awareness is fantastic. He has taken a great shot. Above all, what has he got from Jude? [Bellingham] Got it and that’s what makes Jude great, he has personality and aura. Messi has the most aura of any footballer. Messi’s aura is just next level, so it will be interesting,” Richards added.