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England “can’t complain” about being on the receiving end of yet another Lionel Messi masterclass, as “no one has ever been able to stop” the Argentina great, according to former England international Joleon Lescott. The Three Lions’ latest quest for international glory ended in heartbreak once again, this time in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel led his England squad into the tournament determined to end six decades of hurt. Yet, the heroes of 1966 remain unmatched for at least another four years, with this campaign adding another painful chapter of near misses to England’s footballing history.

England showed admirable fighting spirit—particularly in their knockout victories over Mexico and Norway—to reach the final four of FIFA’s showpiece event. Against Argentina, Anthony Gordon’s goal gave them the lead, but the Three Lions ultimately fell short once more.

Tuchel’s tactical decisions came under scrutiny following the semi-final defeat, with critics suggesting that his conservative approach backfired. By ordering his players to sit deep and invite pressure, he effectively allowed Messi and his teammates to dictate the closing stages.

Messi, the winner of eight Ballon d’Or awards and seemingly on course for a ninth, was kept relatively quiet for most of the match in Atlanta. However, the Argentina captain set up Enzo Fernandez for a long-range equaliser as England, packed with defensive-minded players, struggled to regain control.

In stoppage time, the Inter Miami star delivered a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner. The sequence once again highlighted how difficult it is to contain the Argentine maestro, even at 39 years of age.

Reflecting on England’s defeat to one of football’s all-time greats, Lescott told GOAL, in partnership with Unibet Casino Online: “I don't think it was a complete masterclass over the whole game, but there were definitely moments. He’s very aware of where he’s at in his career.

“Does he still dictate games? Yes, but in shorter spells. He chooses his moments wisely and saves his energy for when it matters most. When Argentina went behind, you could see him thinking, ‘Right, now it’s time to step up.’ He started getting on the ball much more—I think he had the most touches in the last half hour.”

Lescott continued: “It just shows that when players of that calibre decide to take control, no tactics or player selection can stop them. It’s a bit unfair that we criticise our tactics or decisions while also praising the best player ever to play the game. You can’t really have it both ways.

“We can’t complain that we did something wrong when he simply did what he always does. No one has ever been able to stop him—ever. In the history of football, no one’s managed to stop Messi, yet we’re frustrated that we didn’t.”

The defeat means England’s wait for another major international trophy continues. Another golden opportunity to reach the biggest stage slipped through their fingers, extending 60 years of disappointment. England were close to fulfilling their dreams, but once again, they faltered at the crucial moment.

Messi’s influence turned a tense encounter on its head. There was never any doubt that he would have a decisive say, but Tuchel and his players will rue giving such a dangerous talent the time and space to produce his trademark magic and alter the course of the match.