Messi prepares for first international clash against England in Atlanta
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 4:48 AM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
Lionel Messi will face England in a semi-final match on Wednesday in Atlanta at 20:00 BST. This encounter marks Messi's first meeting with the Three Lions on the international stage, despite his extensive experience with Argentina. Argentina earned a place in this semi-final after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. While Messi has not scored in that match, he remains a leading contender for the Golden Boot with eight goals. Analysts discuss the tactical challenges around defending Messi, highlighting his unique ability to influence key moments of a game.
- •Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
- •Messi has never faced England in an official international match.
- •The semi-final is scheduled for July 12 at 20:00 BST in Atlanta.
- •Messi leads the tournament with eight goals alongside Kylian Mbappé.
- 12:35 PMYahoo Sports — Messi excited for first ever meeting with England
- 4:48 AMYahoo Sports — 'We should all be excited' - Messi set for first England meeting
"There are very few things Lionel Messi has not done on a football pitch. Despite making more than 200 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina, Messi has never faced the Three Lions on the international stage. It looked for a spell that the 39-year-old may be denied his first meeting with Thomas Tuchel's side when Switzerland appeared to be holding the momentum in Saturday's quarter-final tie - but Argentina eventually ran out 3-1 winners in extra time.
"Lionel Messi says he is relishing facing England for the first time in his career when Argentina take on the Three Lions in the World Cup semi finals.Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time fo...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 12, 2026, 12:35 PMMessi excited for first ever meeting with England
Lionel Messi says he is relishing facing England for the first time in his career when Argentina take on the Three Lions in the World Cup semi finals.Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time fo...
- Yahoo SportsJul 12, 2026, 4:48 AM'We should all be excited' - Messi set for first England meeting
There are very few things Lionel Messi has not done on a football pitch. Despite making more than 200 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina, Messi has never faced the Three Lions on the international stage. It looked for a spell that the 39-year-old may be denied his first meeting with Thomas Tuchel's side when Switzerland appeared to be holding the momentum in Saturday's quarter-final tie - but Argentina eventually ran out 3-1 winners in extra time.
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