Messi's first match vs. England: Here's his record vs. world's top teams

Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his career at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reaching the semifinal stage of the tournament. The matchup is notable as it marks a historic first meeting between Messi and England, with ESPN detailing his record against the world's top international sides ahead of the fixture. Messi himself described the upcoming semifinal against England as a 'special' occasion.