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Lionel Messi prepares for first match against England at World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 8:44 AM

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

Lionel Messi prepares for first match against England at World Cup

Summary

Lionel Messi will make his first appearance against the England national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. Argentina advanced after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. Messi, 39, remarked on the uniqueness of facing England, expressing that matches against strong nations are always special. This semi-final marks the first competitive meeting between the two sides since a friendly in 2005, with their previous World Cup encounters tied at 2-2. England seeks its first final appearance since 1966, while Argentina aims to retain the championship.

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By the Numbers

•Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 A.E.T. to advance
•Messi faces England for the first time
•Last match between Argentina and England was a friendly in 2005
•England aims for its first final since 1966
•Messi holds 13 wins against European nations in World Cup matches

Latest Updates

8:44 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi confronts challenge from England before first-ever international meeting at World Cup

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi will face the English national men’s football team for the first time in his career during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. Messi has faced European national teams in the World Cup over his career 19 times, picking up 13 wins and two draws to four losses in those matches (penalty shootout wins included).
— Yahoo Sports

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FIFA World Cup Soccer