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England have been warned about the ‘impossible’ challenge of facing Lionel Messi as they prepare for a historic encounter with the Argentine superstar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.

Lionel Messi has reached nearly every summit in world football, yet the 2026 World Cup semi-final offers the legendary No.10 a completely new experience. The 39-year-old Inter Miami icon is set to meet England for the very first time in his illustrious international career, with the Three Lions standing between him and another shot at global glory.

The ultimate test for Thomas Tuchel

Despite amassing more than 200 international appearances and scoring a record 125 goals for Argentina, Messi has never faced England at senior level. That long wait ends on Wednesday in Atlanta, where Thomas Tuchel’s men will attempt to contain the joint-top scorer of the tournament. Argentina reached the last four after a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, setting up a highly anticipated showdown that has captured global attention.

BBC pundit Micah Richards believes Messi’s influence remains unmatched, describing the task of stopping him as virtually impossible. “England can outrun Argentina, but they have that little genius Messi. Everything revolves around him. Everyone should be excited,” Richards explained. “Marking him is impossible because he doesn’t track back. He drifts into small pockets of space where he shouldn’t even be. Then suddenly, he switches on at the perfect moment. His technique is flawless, his spatial awareness is brilliant, and he has an incredible shot. Most importantly, he has what Jude [Bellingham] has — personality and aura. Messi has more aura than any footballer. His presence is on another level, and that’s what makes this so fascinating.”

Defensive dilemmas and the 'Jude effect'

Although Messi remains a lethal attacking threat — with eight goals in the tournament so far — opponents have started to consider ways to capitalise on his limited defensive work rate. Former England captain Wayne Rooney observed that while Messi shares Bellingham’s ability to decide matches, he can leave defensive gaps when the opposition has possession. This balance between brilliance and vulnerability will be key to Tuchel’s tactical approach as he aims to guide England to their second World Cup final.

“He can be a weakness defensively for Argentina,” Rooney noted. “He doesn’t track back, but he has big moments, much like Jude Bellingham. Messi produces moments of real quality. His decision-making is exceptional — he comes alive in key phases and always picks the right pass. Marking Messi is all about focus and communication — constantly talking with teammates about positions you wouldn’t normally cover.”

England must handle the pressure

Former striker Chris Sutton believes that while Messi’s presence is intimidating, England should not be overawed by the reigning world champions. Under Tuchel, the Three Lions have shown tactical maturity, and Sutton feels this Argentina side, though resilient, is not unbeatable. The challenge will be maintaining composure amid the intense atmosphere and the psychological weight of Messi’s aura.

“I think Thomas Tuchel and the England players will actually relish facing this Argentina side in its current form,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live. “This isn’t a great Argentina team, but they always find a way.”

A rivalry reignited after two decades

England and Argentina share one of international football’s most dramatic rivalries, with unforgettable moments such as Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ in 1986 and David Beckham’s redemption penalty in 2002. Yet, remarkably, the two nations have not faced each other for nearly 21 years. Their last meeting came in a 2005 friendly in Geneva — a match Messi missed due to a suspension he received just 30 seconds into his international debut against Hungary.

South American football expert Tim Vickery said Argentine supporters have long yearned for this clash. “Lionel Messi couldn’t possibly end an international career spanning over 200 matches without playing against the team Argentine fans consider their biggest rival,” Vickery explained. “In the second half, fans were bouncing and chanting, ‘He who doesn’t jump is an Englishman.’ Expect to hear much more of that on Wednesday.”