Messi Faces England: Who Will Join Spain in the World Cup Final?
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Lionel Messi leads defending champions Argentina into a heavyweight World Cup semifinal against England on Wednesday, July 15, with both teams fighting for the right to face Spain in Sunday’s final.
The match will kick off at 3 p.m. Eastern Time at Atlanta Stadium. The winner will advance to the World Cup final against Spain on July 19, while the losing side will meet France in the third-place playoff.
Spain became the first team to reach the final after defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal. Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro added the second goal, securing Spain’s first World Cup final appearance since winning the tournament in 2010.
Attention now turns to Messi, who is seeking to guide Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title. The 39-year-old captain has scored eight goals during the tournament and is tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot. Messi also holds the men’s World Cup record with 21 career goals.
The semifinal also brings Messi face to face with one of England’s most influential players, Jude Bellingham. Their individual battle reflects the wider contrast between Argentina’s experience and England’s younger, physically powerful team.
Argentina reached the final four after surviving several difficult knockout matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side defeated Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16 before overcoming Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the quarterfinals, demonstrating that the defending champions remain dangerous even when placed under sustained pressure.
England’s route has been equally demanding. Thomas Tuchel’s team edged Mexico 3-2 before beating Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarterfinals. England has not always dominated its opponents, but its ability to remain composed and find late solutions has carried it into its fourth World Cup semifinal.
The match also revives one of international football’s most famous rivalries. Previous World Cup meetings have produced unforgettable moments, including Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal and his celebrated solo goal in 1986, Argentina’s penalty-shootout victory in 1998 and England’s win in 2002.
Argentina will wear its dark blue away kit in Atlanta, a shirt closely associated with some of the country’s most memorable victories over England. However, Scaloni has played down the symbolism, while England coach Thomas Tuchel has insisted that his players must focus on the match rather than the history surrounding it.
Tactically, England’s main challenge will be limiting Messi’s influence without leaving space for Julián Álvarez and Argentina’s attacking midfielders. Argentina, meanwhile, must contain Bellingham’s movement, Harry Kane’s finishing and England’s ability to attack through the wings.
For Argentina, victory would move the country one step closer to becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. England, meanwhile, is attempting to reach its first final since winning its only world title in 1966.
With Spain already waiting, the Atlanta semifinal offers a defining contest between Messi’s enduring brilliance and an England team determined to end six decades of World Cup frustration.
