Argentina and England are set to face off in the highly anticipated semifinal match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a rivalry steeped in football history and drama. TV9 Bangla reports that this will be Lionel Messi’s first-ever international match against England, despite having played 205 games in his career, adding extra significance to this encounter.

The two nations have clashed 14 times historically, with England winning six matches, Argentina three, and five ending in draws. In World Cup history, they have met five times; England leads with three wins to Argentina’s two.

The rivalry began in the 1962 World Cup when England defeated Argentina 3-1 in the group stage, marking the start of an intense and enduring competition. The 1966 World Cup further fueled tensions when Argentine captain Antonio Rattín was controversially sent off, despite the absence of formal red or yellow card rules at the time. Police had to remove Rattín from the field, and England won the match 1-0.

One of the most iconic moments came in the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and then dribbled past five English players to score another goal. Argentina went on to win that match and eventually lifted the trophy that year.

In 1998, England’s David Beckham received a red card for kicking Diego Simeone, leaving England with 10 players and a 2-2 draw in regular time. Argentina triumphed in the penalty shootout to advance to the quarterfinals.

The two teams met again in the 2002 World Cup group stage, where Beckham scored a decisive penalty, leading England to a 1-0 victory and eliminating Argentina early from the tournament.

As the 2026 World Cup semifinal approaches, football fans worldwide eagerly await another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. The match features not just team pride but also a clash between football legends—Lionel Messi and Harry Kane—raising the question: who will emerge victorious?

Why this matters

The Argentina-England rivalry is one of the most compelling narratives in international football, marked by controversial moments and legendary performances. This semifinal match not only represents a battle for a spot in the World Cup final but also a historic showdown that encapsulates decades of football heritage and national pride.

For Messi, this match is a career milestone, finally facing a long-unconquered opponent on the biggest stage. The outcome will resonate deeply with fans and could influence the legacies of both teams and their star players.