3 min learnJul 13, 2026 09:51 AM IST
As England and Argentina sq. off for the primary time in a FIFA World Cup encounter in 24 years in the course of the second semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night time, former English footballers are apprehensive and assured in equal measure in regards to the Lionel Messi issue that can loom over the competition.
Regardless of smashing 125 targets in 205 worldwide appearances, the 39-year-old Messi will probably be going through England for the primary time within the senior Albiceleste shirt. Whereas Messi has led the goal-scoring charts with eight targets, his pristine streak of scoring in 9 consecutive video games got here to an finish in the course of the quarter-final conflict in opposition to Switzerland. Regardless of doubling his assists tally, Messi may face a stern problem in opposition to England’s attacking threats within the semi-final, based on England legend Wayne Rooney.
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Though Rooney hailed Messi’s means to be the decisive man, creating alternatives from a split-second transfer, he felt the Argentina captain’s negligible defensive output may work in opposition to the facet within the semi-final.
“He is usually a weak spot defensively for Argentina,” Rooney stated on BBC Sport. “He doesn’t run again, however he has huge moments a bit like with Jude Bellingham. He has huge moments and moments of high quality. The factor with Messi is his decision-making – he involves life in moments of the sport and he makes the precise choice. Marking Lionel Messi is about focus and communication. Speaking together with your team-mates about selecting up positions you won’t normally choose up,” Rooney added.
‘Messi’s aura unimaginable to beat’
Whereas England stormed into their first semi-final since 2018 on the again of a brace from Bellingham in opposition to Norway, Argentina relied on a miraculous 112th-minute strike from Julian Alvarez to stun Switzerland earlier than Lautaro Martinez sealed a 3-1 extra-time victory. Although he endured a subdued recreation, Messi will nonetheless be almost unimaginable to mark for the Englishman, based on former Three Lions defender Micah Richards.
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“England can outrun Argentina however they simply have that little genius Messi. All of them play for him. Everybody needs to be excited,” Richards informed BBC.
“Marking him is unimaginable as a result of he doesn’t run again. He goes into little areas the place he shouldn’t actually be. He switches on on the proper occasions [and] he’s bought the most effective approach. His spatial consciousness is implausible. He’s bought an ideal shot. Most significantly, he’s bought what Jude’s [Bellingham] bought and that’s what makes Jude so nice, he’s bought character and aura. Messi has probably the most aura out of any footballer. Messi’s aura is simply subsequent degree, so it’s going to be fascinating,” added Richards.