Its a first affair. One for Messi, one for Bellingham and one for Kane.
For more than half a century, England and Argentina have shared one of international football’s fiercest rivalries. From the political undertones surrounding their meetings to unforgettable World Cup moments, clashes between the two nations have consistently produced footballing theatre.
Yet when the teams meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, history will present an extraordinary twist: Lionel Messi will face England for the very first time in his international career.
Despite making more than 200 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has never lined up against the Three Lions. The rarity is remarkable considering Messi made his senior debut in 2005, while England and Argentina have met only once since then, just months after his first appearance for the Albiceleste, when he was not involved.
Now, at 39, the Argentine captain finally gets the opportunity to experience one of football’s greatest rivalries firsthand.
The fixture inevitably evokes memories of Diego Maradona, whose infamous “Hand of God” goal and breathtaking solo effort eliminated England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals. Twelve years later, the rivalry produced another iconic chapter when David Beckham was sent off during England’s penalty shootout defeat in France.
Messi now has the chance to write his own chapter.
Statistics suggest England have every reason to be wary.
Messi’s goals have come against almost every opponent imaginable. Bolivia have suffered most, conceding 11 goals in 12 matches, while Venezuela and Ecuador have each been frequent victims. South American rivals Uruguay and Brazil have also struggled to contain him, with six and five goals respectively.
Although England represent unfamiliar opposition, Messi’s remarkable consistency means Thomas Tuchel’s side know the danger cannot be measured simply by previous meetings.
Former England defender Micah Richards believes Argentina’s entire system revolves around their captain.
“England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Marking him is impossible because he doesn’t run back. He finds little spaces where he shouldn’t really be. His spatial awareness is fantastic.”
Richards believes Messi’s greatest weapon remains his ability to disappear before suddenly deciding matches with one moment of brilliance.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney shares a similar assessment.
While acknowledging Messi contributes little defensively, Rooney argues that his influence lies elsewhere.
“The thing with Messi is his decision-making,” Rooney observed. “He comes to life in key moments and almost always makes the right decision.”
Chris Sutton, however, believes England should approach the contest with confidence.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton argued that this Argentine side, while resilient, is not among the country’s greatest teams.
“This isn’t a great Argentina team, but they do have a habit of finding a way.”
That ability to survive difficult moments has carried Argentina into another World Cup semi-final after overcoming Switzerland in extra time, when elimination briefly looked possible.
England, meanwhile, arrive with momentum, tactical discipline and perhaps greater athleticism across the pitch.
The contest could therefore become a fascinating contrast of styles: England’s energy, organisation and pressing against Argentina’s experience, resilience and the enduring brilliance of Messi.
One thing is certain. After two decades of near misses, football will finally witness Lionel Messi against England, a meeting many believed would never happen.
In one of international football’s greatest rivalries, the game’s greatest player has one more piece of history waiting to be written.
All you need to know about this contest
