Lionel Messi igral več kot 200 tekem za reprezentanco, a nikoli proti Angliji

Lionel Messi has played over 200 matches for the Argentina national team, yet he has never faced England in international competition. That will finally change during the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup, marking a historic moment for both players and teams. The match, set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, represents a long-awaited opportunity for Messi to confront one of football’s most storied rivals. England's squad, too, eagerly anticipates the challenge, viewing it as a chance to test their mettle against one of the sport’s greatest talents. The path to this encounter has been shaped by decades of Messi’s extraordinary career. Beginning with his debut for Argentina at just 17 years old, he quickly became a cornerstone of the national team. His breakthrough came in 2005, when he was called up by coach José Pekerman for a friendly against Hungary. However, his early days were marred by controversy. Just 90 seconds into his debut, Messi was sent off for a handball incident, a decision that sparked outrage among fans and former teammates alike. “An 18-year-old boy who dreams of greatness shouldn’t be punished so harshly,” lamented fellow star Hernán Crespo at the time. This incident, though painful, did not deter Messi from pursuing his dream of leading Argentina to glory. Over the years, Messi has become synonymous with success for the Albiceleste. He helped Argentina win the Under-20 World Cup in 2005 and later earned his place in the senior squad. His performances have been instrumental in several key moments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he scored 7 goals and was named the tournament’s top scorer. Now, with Argentina advancing to the semifinals, Messi aims to etch another milestone into his legacy, playing against England, a nation known for its rich footballing history and formidable talent pool. The rivalry between Argentina and England carries deep historical significance. Matches between the two nations often evoke memories of legendary encounters, such as Diego Maradona’s iconic performance in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals. There, Maradona scored one of the most celebrated goals in World Cup history, famously attributed to “the hand of God.” While Messi has not replicated that exact moment, he has surpassed many records, including scoring 21 goals in 32 games at the current World Cup, a feat that puts him ahead of Kylian Mbappé, the French captain. For Messi, facing England in the semifinals is more than just a game, it is a culmination of years of anticipation and preparation. “Playing against England is special because they are one of the great footballing nations,” Messi remarked after Argentina defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals. “It’s always exciting to play against such a strong team, especially in a World Cup semifinal.” England, meanwhile, sees the match as a unique opportunity. Defender Nico O’Reilly, who is likely to face Messi directly, expressed confidence in the challenge. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” he told the BBC. “Messi is one of the best players ever to step onto a pitch. I’m looking forward to it.” As the world watches, the stage is set for a clash that could define the careers of both teams. With Argentina poised to reach the final for the third time in four World Cups, and England determined to make their mark, the upcoming match promises to be a defining moment in modern football history. For Messi, it is a personal triumph, one that brings him closer to cementing his place among the legends of the game.