ARGENTINA captain Lionel Messi has described facing England in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup as a “special” occasion.
The Inter Miami superstar has stood out for Argentina as they have wobbled their way into the last four stage, scoring eight goals, and he is looking forward to coming up against England for the first time in his spectacular career.
The world champions needed extra-time to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in their quarter-final clash in the early hours of yesterday, but Messi is confident they will be up for the England challenge.
Messi believes Argentina’s remarkable run of success is “not normal” after they reached their third World Cup semi-final in four editions.
“It’s good that [Argentine] people are enjoying it as much as we are. That’s how we live it,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.
“This group has got people used to doing things that aren’t normal: it’s not easy to come back from being world champions, winning everything we won, and then continue competing and remaining at that level, among the top four, playing in another semifinal … It’s not normal, that’s why we have to enjoy it so much.
“We don’t know if it will happen again, if it will happen again, when. We went a long time without being world champions until the last time, so everything that comes next should be enjoyed and valued. We will try to rest, recover our strength and compete in the semi-final.”
Argentina will take on England in Atlanta on Wednesday, a team Messi has never – encountered.
That’s not to say there isn’t history between the two nations, with several controversial moments over the years — not least in 1986, when Diego Maradona scored a controversial ‘Hand of God’ first goal before netting one of the most memorable solo efforts in World Cup history.
“Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive,” Messi said. “But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.
“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.
“Personally, 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.
“And we’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
With agency report
