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Has Lionel Messi Ever Played Against England?
England and Argentina will restore their historic rivalry when the two sides go head-to-head in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium, and, for the first time ever, Lionel Messi will be part of it.
As hard as it might be to believe, it's true: Messi has never played a match, competitive or exhibition, against England's men's national team since making his senior national team debut for Argentina in 2005. His first time playing against England will come on Wednesday, with a spot in the World Cup final on the line.
Messi had the opportunity to play against England in his second-ever international friendly with Argentina in 2005, but he was forced to sit out after receiving a red card 43 seconds into his international debut against Hungary. Argentina lost the match 3-2 with him on the sidelines.
England vs. Argentina: How to Stop Lionel Messi in World Cup Semifinal
There is never a good time to play Lionel Messi, but for England, this feels like a particularly difficult first meeting.
England vs. Argentina needs little extra intrigue. The fixture is always box-office viewing—heavy in animosity, drama and the weight of history, both sporting and political. With a spot in the 2026 World Cup final on the line, all that is amplified tenfold.
However, one of the standout individual narratives of the semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be Messi, with the sport’s greatest-ever player chasing back-to-back titles and the chance to add the perfect final chapter to his international story.
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England fans optimistic but concerned about Messi in old rivals semi-final
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England fans have said they are optimistic that the Three Lions can secure a place in the World Cup final, but highlighted concerns that Lionel Messi may stand in their way.
Thousands of England supporters have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against defending champions Argentina.
The old rivals go head-to-head at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium – and superfan Gary Holliday said he spent around £2,500 on a ticket for the match.
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