World Cup 2026: I’ve Played Against Everyone Except England –Messi

Argentina star Lionel Messi has disclosed that England is the only major football powerhouse he has never played against in his entire career.

The Argentine star expressed excitement about facing them in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, calling the historic match-up a unique game. 

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Recall that Argentina secured their place in the last four with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland on Saturday, while England also needed an additional 30 minutes to overcome Norway, 2-1.

The meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday will be the latest chapter in one of international football’s most storied rivalries, although it will mark Messi’s first appearance against England in an Argentina shirt.

“Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.

“It’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.

“We’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.

“It’s a match-up with a lot of history, but we’re professionals. We’ll approach it like every other game and give everything until the end.”

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Messi also took the opportunity to praise the Argentine squad’s mentality, which remains competitive even after their recent world and continental triumphs.

“This squad never stops pushing; they always want more and strive to be on a par with the best. What this team has achieved is no mean feat: winning the World Cup, winning the Copa América and reaching the semi-finals once again,” he added.