'We should all be excited' - Messi set for first England meeting
Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his career during an upcoming World Cup semi-final match in Atlanta. Despite his extensive trophy cabinet, this meeting represents a unique milestone for the 39-year-old Argentine forward.
Why it matters
As one of the greatest players in football history, Messi's first encounter with a major national team like England is a significant cultural and sporting event.
Figure caption, Argentina set up England semi-final with extra-time victory over Switzerland
There are very few things Lionel Messi has not done on a football pitch.
But the semi-final meeting between Argentina and England at 20:00 BST on Wednesday in Atlanta, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer , will provide the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner with an altogether new experience.
Despite making more than 200 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina, Messi has never faced the Three Lions.
It looked for a spell that the 39-year-old may be denied his first meeting with England when Switzerland held the momentum in Saturday's quarter-final - but Argentina eventually ran out 3-1 winners in extra time.
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