Atlanta to host England and Argentina World Cup semi-final clash

By Liam Tremblay — 12 July 2026 — 5 min read

Lionel Messi is set to play against England for the first time in his career when Argentina faces the European side in a World Cup semi-final match in Atlanta on Wednesday. This highly anticipated encounter marks a significant moment, as Messi has spent over two decades in international soccer, playing against many World Cup-winning nations but never England.

The 39-year-old Messi has previously competed against teams such as Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. The closest he came to facing England was in a friendly match in Geneva in November 2005, which was the last time the two nations met. Argentina lost that match 3-2, with goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen for England, while Hernan Crespo and Walter Samuel scored for Argentina. However, Messi did not participate in that game, having been sent off earlier that year during his international debut against Hungary.

Argentina’s Football Association has described this upcoming semi-final as “the match fate owed Messi.” Following Argentina’s 3-1 quarter-final victory over Switzerland in extra time, Messi commented on the upcoming game, stating, “It’s special because they’re a great team, a powerhouse, and it’s always nice to play a team like that, a match of this kind.” He also emphasized the need for rest for his team, noting the wear and tear the group has experienced, to ensure they are in the best possible condition to compete.

The path to the semi-finals has been challenging for Argentina, as they have navigated three consecutive dramatic knockout matches. They defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in the round of 32 and then staged a comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in the last 16, after initially trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining. In their quarter-final against Switzerland, Messi provided an assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal. This was the first World Cup match since Argentina’s 2-0 group-stage win over Poland at Qatar 2022 where Messi did not score.

A Storied Rivalry

The rivalry between England and Argentina is deeply rooted, extending back generations and marked by significant moments in World Cup history. This upcoming semi-final in Atlanta will add another chapter to this emotionally charged rivalry, which has been shaped by decades of sporting drama and political tension. The fixture holds a special place in Argentina’s soccer memories, and Messi’s participation will further cement its iconic status.

The World Cup rivalry between the two nations began in 1962 and has since featured memorable goals, controversies, and red cards. Beyond the pitch, political tensions, particularly stemming from the Falklands War in the 1980s, have also influenced the relationship between the two countries. Argentina’s players and fans continue to reference the conflict in their football songs, highlighting the enduring impact of these historical events on the sporting contest.

Despite the intensity of the rivalry, England holds a historical advantage in World Cup matches between the two sides, having won more of the five encounters. However, it has been some time since England secured a truly decisive victory in a significant match against Argentina. The last World Cup meeting between the two teams was in 2002, meaning that many younger generations may not fully recall the depth of this historic rivalry.

Key Encounters in World Cup History

The first World Cup clash occurred in 1962 during the group stage in Rancagua, Chile, where England defeated Argentina 3-1. Goals from Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton, and Jimmy Greaves secured the win for England, with Argentina scoring a late consolation goal. Both teams finished the group stage with similar records, but England advanced due to a superior goal difference before being eliminated by Brazil in the quarter-finals.

The rivalry intensified significantly in the 1966 quarter-finals held at Wembley, England. England won 1-0, but the match was marred by controversy. Argentina maintains that Geoff Hurst’s winning goal was offside. The game also saw Argentina captain Antonio Rattin sent off after 33 minutes for two offences, leading to an almost eight-minute delay as he refused to leave the pitch. England’s manager, Alf Ramsey, famously described the Argentine side as ‘animals’ after the match, and his players did not exchange shirts with their opponents. This match is believed to have contributed to the introduction of red and yellow cards in football, which were first used in the 1970 World Cup.

The 1986 quarter-final in Mexico City, Mexico, remains one of the most iconic and controversial matches. Played just four years after the Falklands War, the game was heavily influenced by political tensions. Diego Maradona scored two memorable goals for Argentina. The first, famously known as the “Hand of God,” involved Maradona punching the ball into the net. His second goal was a remarkable solo effort, where he dribbled past multiple England players before scoring. Gary Lineker scored a late goal for England, but Argentina won 2-1 and went on to win the tournament. Maradona later apologized for the handball in 2005, an apology rejected by England’s goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Another dramatic encounter took place in the 1998 last 16 in St Etienne, France. This match is remembered for David Beckham’s red card after he kicked out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone. The game saw penalties from Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer, and a spectacular solo goal by Michael Owen that gave England a 2-1 lead. However, Javier Zanetti equalized for Argentina before halftime. Despite playing with 10 men, England held on, and a goal by Sol Campbell was disallowed. The match went to a penalty shootout, which Argentina won 4-3 after misses by David Batty and Paul Ince. Simeone later admitted that his fall contributed to Beckham’s red card.

The 2002 group stage match in Sapporo, Japan, provided a moment of redemption for David Beckham. As England’s captain, he scored the only goal from a penalty kick after Michael Owen was fouled by Mauricio Pochettino. This 1-0 victory was crucial for England, who had drawn their opening group game against Sweden. England advanced from the group stage, while Argentina was eliminated, marking their first group stage exit since 1962. England then defeated Denmark in the last 16 before being knocked out by Brazil in the quarter-finals.

As Argentina prepares to face Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions, the match promises to be another significant chapter in this long-standing rivalry, with Messi finally making his debut against England on Wednesday.

Source: theglobeandmail.com