Georgia, July 15 -- England head coach Thomas Tuchel hailed Lionel Messi as the driving force behind Argentina ahead of their FIFA World Cup semifinal, saying the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the leader and key player for the defending champions, according to Sky Sports.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the last-four clash, Tuchel said Messi's influence on Argentina goes beyond his individual brilliance.

"It is just incredible how he (Messi) carries that team. There are no words. Who am I to talk about that? No words left for this kind of achievement," Tuchel said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"He is just the leader and the key player in any team he plays. You can see the cohesion, and they are experienced in tournament football. Th...