Messi is about to play England for the first time ...

Lionel Messi is set to face England for the very first time in his career when Argentina takes on Thomas Tuchel's side in the second semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday. Despite playing over 200 times for Argentina, Messi has never faced England, as the two nations last met in a friendly in Geneva in November 2005 — the same year he made his senior international debut at age 18. Messi told ESPN the match is 'special' because England are a powerhouse, and he is personally relishing the historic first encounter.