Table of Contents
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.
(Photo by Michael Regan – PA Images via Getty Images)
Aside from the 2005 friendly, England and Argentina simply haven't crossed paths at international level. Their last scheduled competitive fixture was at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when David Beckham scored his redemptive penalty against Argentina in the group stage.
The closest Messi has come to playing against England since 2005 was at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. England and Argentina were on track to meet in the final, but England lost to France 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
Messi's first meeting against England will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.
share
recommended
How Do You Stop Lionel Messi? Switzerland Focused On Simply Containing Argentina’s GOAT
Shohei Ohtani Out Of MLB All-Star Game, Will Also Miss Friday Night's Start
Mikel Merino Rescues La Roja Again: 4 Takeaways From Spain's Win Over Belgium
The Young Star vs. The Old Guard: What To Know For Spain vs. Belgium
2026 World Cup Bracket: Spain First Team To Clinch Ticket To Final
The Lore Of Lamine Yamal: From The Lionel Messi Baby Picture To The 2026 World Cup
How to Watch the World Cup Today: Schedule, Times, TV, Streaming for Quarterfinal Two
Could Lamine Yamal Be Benched For Spain vs. France World Cup Semifinal?
The Summer Of Erling Haaland: Norway's Star Striker Enjoying All Of The USA World Cup
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3 
Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic 
FIFA Men's World Cup 
Argentina 
Lionel Messi 
England WC – England vs. Argentina – 07/15/2026
NEXT STORY
Why Steve Cherundolo And The 2028 Olympics Matter For USA's Future
recommended
How Do You Stop Lionel Messi? Switzerland Focused On Simply Containing Argentina’s GOAT
Shohei Ohtani Out Of MLB All-Star Game, Will Also Miss Friday Night's Start
Mikel Merino Rescues La Roja Again: 4 Takeaways From Spain's Win Over Belgium
The Young Star vs. The Old Guard: What To Know For Spain vs. Belgium
2026 World Cup Bracket: Spain First Team To Clinch Ticket To Final
The Lore Of Lamine Yamal: From The Lionel Messi Baby Picture To The 2026 World Cup
How to Watch the World Cup Today: Schedule, Times, TV, Streaming for Quarterfinal Two
Could Lamine Yamal Be Benched For Spain vs. France World Cup Semifinal?
The Summer Of Erling Haaland: Norway's Star Striker Enjoying All Of The USA World Cup
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3Original Article
