Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his international career when Argentina meet the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, ending a 21-year wait for one of football’s most anticipated matchups.

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Suspension Prevented First Opportunity Rare Fixture Between Football Giants Historic World Cup Semi-Final

Despite winning multiple major titles with Argentina, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa América, Messi has never played an international match against England. The upcoming semi-final will mark the first meeting between the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the English national team.

Suspension Prevented First Opportunity

Argentina and England last met in 2005, shortly after Messi made his senior international debut.

However, Messi was sent off just 47 seconds into his debut against Hungary and received a suspension that ruled him out of the subsequent friendly against England, denying him what would have been his first appearance against the Three Lions.

Rare Fixture Between Football Giants

Since 2005, Argentina and England have not faced each other at senior international level, despite both nations regularly competing in major tournaments.

Reports have also suggested that arranging a friendly became increasingly difficult over the years, partly because of the high commercial costs associated with Argentina’s international fixtures during Messi’s career.