200 games, 125 goals, but zero against England: Messi prepares for historic first clash with Three Lions
Argentine maestro Lionel Messi has heaped massive praise on Thomas Tuchel’s England side, branding the Three Lions a footballing “powerhouse” ahead of their highly anticipated World Cup semi-final showdown.
The 39-year-old football icon, who currently sits among the top-scorers at this summer’s World Cup with eight goals, has achieved almost everything in his glittering career since his international debut in 2005.
From ending Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought with a Copa America triumph to lifting the coveted 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi’s resume is unparalleled. Yet, despite scoring a staggering 125 goals in 200 appearances for La Albiceleste, he has never faced England on the pitch.
A two-decade wait
The last time Argentina and England squared off was in November 2005 during a pre-World Cup friendly in Switzerland, where Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions secured a dramatic 3-2 victory courtesy of goals from Wayne Rooney and a Michael Owen brace.
Although Messi was already a part of the national team setup at the time, he missed that encounter due to a suspension, following his infamous red card just 30 seconds into his international debut against Hungary.
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Now, two decades later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will finally get his chance to face England when the two footballing giants clash at the Atlanta Stadium.
Reflecting on the historic rivalry after Argentina booked their semi-final spot with a 3-1 win over Switzerland, Messi acknowledged the weight of the fixture but insisted his team remains unfazed.
”Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.
”But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent. Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.”
He added: “Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too. We’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
While Messi showed immense respect for Tuchel’s men in his press interview, he took to social media to send a fiery warning, reminding the world of Argentina’s elite mentality.
Celebrating their hard-fought victory over Switzerland, the captain posted a rallying cry on Instagram, making it clear that the reigning world champions will not back down easily.
”Again we suffered but this team never stops believing. We’re in the top four in the world again!!! Let’s go,” Messi wrote.
With a spot in the World Cup final on the line, the clash between Messi’s resilient Argentina and Tuchel’s formidable England promises to be an instant classic.
