Atlanta, July 15 -- Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to take on England for the first time in his illustrious international career as defending champions will clash with the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday (local time).

Despite representing Argentina for over two decades and facing every other FIFA World Cup-winning nation, Messi has never come up against the Three Lions.

That long-awaited first meeting will finally take place for a spot in the World Cup final on the line, adding a fresh chapter to one of international football's fiercest rivalries.

The winner of the encounter will meet Spain in the final, after La Roja sealed their berth with a 2-0 triumph over France.

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