Lionel Messi has made a striking admission ahead of Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England: in a career spanning decades at the highest level, he has never once taken the field against the English.

"I've played against everyone except England," Messi told ESPN Argentina, underlining just how rare Wednesday's meeting in Atlanta truly is. "Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special."

Argentina reached the last four with a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland on Saturday, while England also needed an additional 30 minutes to see off Norway, 2-1. Both sides arrive in Atlanta having been pushed to the limit before finding a way through.

A rivalry renewed — and a personal first

The fixture carries enormous historical weight, representing one of international football's most iconic rivalries. For Messi, however, it is entirely uncharted territory. Despite representing Argentina across multiple World Cups and Copa América tournaments, he has never worn the blue-and-white stripes against England — until now.

"We'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again," he said. "It's a match-up with a lot of history, but we're professionals. We'll approach it like every other game and give everything until the end."

Squad mentality driving Argentina forward

Messi also used the occasion to highlight the relentless hunger within the Argentina camp, even after the squad's remarkable recent haul of silverware.

"This squad never stops pushing; they always want more and strive to be on a par with the best," he said. "What this team has achieved is no mean feat: winning the World Cup, winning the Copa América and reaching the semi-finals once again."

Argentina face England in Atlanta on Wednesday, with a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at stake.