3 min readJul 13, 2026 09:51 AM IST As England and Argentina square off for the first time in a FIFA World Cup encounter in 24 years during the second semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night, former English footballers are apprehensive and confident in equal measure about the Lionel Messi factor that will loom over the contest. Despite smashing 125 goals in 205 international appearances, the 39-year-old Messi will be facing England for the first time in the senior Albiceleste shirt. While Messi has led the goal-scoring charts with eight goals, his pristine streak of scoring in nine consecutive games came to an end during the quarter-final clash against Switzerland. Despite doubling his assists tally, Messi could face a stern challenge against England’s attacking threats in the semi-final, according to England legend Wayne Rooney. ALSO READ | ‘Going to put Messi to bed’: England will beat Argentina in WC semis, says Cole Although Rooney hailed Messi’s ability to be the decisive man, creating opportunities from a split-second move, he felt the Argentina captain’s negligible defensive …