Lionel Messi has accomplished nearly everything in football, but one milestone has eluded him: facing England. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will finally get that chance when Argentina takes on the Three Lions in the Copa America semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 20:00 BST.
Despite over 200 appearances and 125 goals for his country, Messi has never played against England. The 39-year-old came close to missing out again when Switzerland pushed Argentina to extra time in the quarter-final, but the Albiceleste emerged 3-1 winners. Messi failed to score for the first time in the tournament, yet he remains tied with Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot lead with eight goals and holds the record as the World Cup's all-time top scorer.
"England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi," said BBC pundit Micah Richards. "Marking him is impossible because he doesn't run back. He goes into little spaces where he shouldn't really be. He's got the most aura out of any footballer."
Former England striker Wayne Rooney noted that while Messi offers little defensively, his quality in decisive moments defines games. "He can be a weakness defensively for Argentina, but he has big moments. Marking him is about concentration and communication."
South American football expert Tim Vickery said Argentina's fans craved this match. "Lionel Messi couldn't possibly end an international career without playing the team that Argentina fans see as their biggest rival. The fans were singing 'he who doesn't jump is an Englishman.' You'll hear much more of that on Wednesday."
England and Argentina share a fierce rivalry, from Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986 to Beckham's red card in 1998. Their last meeting was a friendly in 2005, shortly after Messi's international debut—a match he missed due to suspension after a red card just 30 seconds into his first appearance. Without him, England won 3-2 thanks to two late Michael Owen goals.
Now, Messi will finally face the Three Lions in what promises to be a historic encounter.