Lionel Messi to face England in World Cup 2026 semifinal

Argentina's captain Lionel Messi, aged 39, will meet England for the first time in his career in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, scheduled for 21:00 local time, marks the first encounter between the two nations since a decade‑old World Cup clash in 2005, and the first time Messi will play against England after a 21‑year gap.

Messi said, "I have played against everyone except England, and it's special because they are a powerhouse," while England left‑back Nico O’Reilly called the fixture "a unique opportunity in his life". The game follows a series of controversial refereeing decisions in earlier rounds, with some fans alleging bias toward Argentina; FIFA has rejected those claims.

The semifinal revives historic football ties, recalling the 1986 quarter‑final where Diego Maradona’s famous "Hand of God" goal sparked a long‑standing rivalry. Argentina aim to defend their 2022 title, while England seek to overturn past defeats.