Messi Has Never Played Against England!
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If there is a ‘super clásico’ in Argentine football history, it is Argentina versus England. From the historic memories of Diego Maradona in 1986 to the intensity on the pitch, the rivalry between these two teams has always held a special status. But incredible as it may seem, in Lionel Messi’s illustrious 19-year career, he has never had the opportunity to face England while wearing the Argentina jersey.
At 1 am on Wednesday, the long-awaited and unfinished chapter is finally set to unfold in the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta. For the first time, the No. 10 will take the field against England. The 36-year-old Messi has already played against every major opponent with Argentina, but he has never had the chance to play against England in any match, not even in a friendly.
In the last historic meeting between Argentina and England on Nov. 12, 2005, a 3-2 win for England — Messi was in the squad but had to watch the match from the stands due to a suspension following a red card. Despite goals from Hernán Crespo and Roberto Ayala, the English side snatched victory thanks to a brace from Michael Owen. In the two decades since, the two teams have never met again.
Lionel Scaloni’s men secured their place in the semifinals after defeating Switzerland in extra time. England, meanwhile, had to work hard for their victory over Norway in the quarterfinals. The match in Atlanta on Wednesday is not only a battle for a place in the final but also an opportunity for Messi to erase one of the biggest unfinished chapters of his career.
For Argentine football fans, England is a dream opponent. A public opinion survey in 2024 found that England topped the list of European opponents that Argentina supporters most wanted to see their team face. That wish is now becoming a reality on the World Cup stage. It is remarkable that these two teams have not met at the World Cup since the 1986 quarterfinal. That long wait is about to end in Atlanta.
With statistics, old memories and the current intensity surrounding both teams, the clash in Atlanta is shaping up to be one of the most compelling chapters of the 2026 World Cup. Will football fans once again witness a magical Maradona-like moment from 1986? Which side will benefit from the ‘missing link’, the unplayed match in Messi’s career, remains to be seen.
