Lionel Messi speaks ahead of historic Argentina vs. England clash: “It’s going to be a special match”

Lionel Messi spoke about the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England. The captain acknowledged that it will be a special match, recalled that he has never faced the English side and warned about La Albiceleste’s physical fatigue.

“It’s going to be a special match”

Argentina’s qualification for the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened the door to one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the tournament. La Albiceleste will face England.

Following the 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the quarterfinals, Lionel Messi spoke about the Argentine national team’s next challenge and acknowledged that the match will carry special significance, both because of the importance of the stage and because it is an opponent he has never faced before.

Messi will face England for the first time

“It’s special to face the big national teams. I’ve never had the chance to play against England,” Messi said after securing a place among the final four teams in the tournament.

The forward highlighted the quality of the English side and avoided going into detail about the political and historical significance surrounding the matchup. Instead, he chose to focus his comments on the sporting magnitude of the game and the opportunity to play in another World Cup semifinal.

FIFA World Cup

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Argentina's Diego Maradona falls to the pitch after being tripped up in their World Cup quarterfinal match against England in Mexico City in this June 22, 1986 file photo. Maradona scored both goals in Argentina's 2-1 victory. Maradona remained in intensive care on Tuesday morning, more than 36 hours after falling ill with heart and breathing problems. A clutch of fans continued a vigil outside the posh Buenos Aires clinic where Maradona, one of the most gifted players in soccer history, was rushed on Sunday. Maradona arrived at the clinic in a serious, feverish condition with breathing difficulties and a swollen heart after watching a game at his former club Boca Juniors' stadium where he made his name. (B/W ONLY) REUTERS/Gary Hershorn GMH

When is Argentina vs. England?

Argentina and England will play their 2026 World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. in London and 4:00 p.m. in Argentina. The winner will advance to the final, scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The other semifinal will feature France and Spain, meaning Argentina and England will already know their potential opponent by the time they take the field.