World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi and the lengths to which Argentina have gone to protect him

Argentina are preparing to face England in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, with their squad heavily structured around Lionel Messi. The team previously came back from 2-0 down to reach the quarter-finals, a moment that moved Messi to tears. Messi has also been dealing with personal stress this tournament following a health complication involving his father after the opening match.