2026 FIFA World Cup Messi Looks Forward To First-Ever England Clash, Recalls Maradona’s Legacy

2026 FIFA World Cup Messi Looks Forward to First-Ever England Clash, Recalls Maradona’s Legacy Argentina captain Lionel Messi says he is eagerly anticipating his first-ever senior international match against England, describing the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final as a special occasion while recalling the enduring legacy of the late Diego Maradona. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s highly anticipated encounter, Messi acknowledged the historic rivalry between Argentina and England, saying he has often reflected on Maradona’s iconic performances against the Three Lions, particularly the unforgettable 1986 World Cup quarter-final. “I’ve seen what Maradona did. Those moments are part of football history and part of Argentina’s history,” Messi said. “Playing against England at a World Cup is something special, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it for the first time. The match will mark Messi’s first senior international meeting with England despite his record-breaking international career spanning more than two decades. Argentina and England have not faced each other in a competitive fixture since the 2002 FIFA World Cup group stage. Messi has played a pivotal role in Argentina’s run to the semi-finals, helping the defending world champions navigate the knockout rounds with a series of influential performances. England, meanwhile, reached the last four after overcoming Norway, setting up one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures. The winner of the semi-final will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they will face either France or Spain in the championship match. Football fans around the world are expected to closely follow the encounter, with many viewing it as another chapter in one of international football’s most celebrated rivalries, while Messi seeks to add another milestone to his illustrious career.