They haven’t seen each other in over 20 years. But his absence does not in any way make him any more attached to one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Wednesday’s grudge match between England and Argentina in Atlanta will be the latest chapter in a story that goes far beyond the pitch. Incredibly, this is the first time Lionel Messi has played against England, a strange quirk that seems almost impossible.
Messi will face England on the biggest stage of the World Cup semi-final, with the holders going head-to-head with Thomas Tuchel’s side.
It will be England’s second semi-final in the last three World Cups, but previously they had not reached the last four since 1990. This will be Argentina’s seventh World Cup semi-final, having won each of the previous six. They are back-to-back winners.
But England vs Argentina is a special match. There’s so much passion and emotion flowing through this production because of the history, political tensions, and of course Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal.
Back in 1986, Maradona used the Falklands War as a desire and determination to take some revenge against England. That sentiment flooded the Azteca Stadium, as Maradona saw it as some sort of excuse for his infamous handball.
Times have come a long way since then. But that’s not the case with soccer rivalries. There will be some spice between the fans and it will make the occasion even more exciting.
And there is also some spice between the players. Argentina toasted their quarter-final victory with a dressing room chant honoring the Malvinas (the Argentinian word for the Falkland Islands).
Loud chorus in the locker room after Argentina beat Switzerland
“For Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s last team, for Argentina, I want to see you become back-to-back champions. I am a supporter of the national team and I support them with all my heart. We won for the third time with Lionel and now we want to be champions again.”
England last played Argentina in a friendly in Geneva in November 2005, when England won 3-2 with goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen (two goals).
The last time they met was at the 2002 World Cup, which they won in Sapporo thanks to David Beckham’s penalty kick.
But it was tame compared to that. In 1998, England lost to Argentina on penalties after David Beckham was sent off for a kickout against Diego Simeone.
England won the 1966 World Cup by defeating Argentina. They have played 14 times, with England winning six and drawing five, with Argentina winning only twice. Let me tell you, in the 1998 World Cup, Argentina won on penalties after it finished 2-2.
This is incredible considering Argentina’s soccer history. They have won the World Cup three times: 1978, 1986 and 2022. This says a lot about their mentality.
David Beckham was infamously sent off during the 1998 World Cup against Argentina (Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)
They are winners and fearsome underdogs, and it’s reflected in their blood, their DNA and their football. This is going to be a game with so much passion, history and passion.
This will be England’s ultimate test against the reigning world champions. They probably weren’t a typical Argentine team. Still they won. They just found a way.
They love to put one on top of English. There is a very strong connection between the great Argentine player and English football. From the days of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa to Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and the beloved Mauricio Pochettino.
But when it comes to football, old rivalries are hard to go away. Argentina’s fans are more passionate than ever. Tens of thousands of them had gathered in Kansas City for the quarterfinals against Switzerland.
Their team’s home base is also there, thousands of Argentines are camped out in Atlanta, and they love to involve England supporters.
The last time I went to Argentina, I was told not to speak English anywhere except at the Boca Juniors field when I went to watch a game. It runs deep.
This isn’t just about football. That was never the case for Argentina. It’s a way of life. They believe they can win the World Cup. They definitely weren’t at their best. They struggled to get past Switzerland’s 10-man and had to pull off a sensational comeback against Egypt.
But when it comes to England. Something is always stirring up. They will be ready and waiting.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
