CORNERFLICK
Argentina and England are set to face each other in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, with Lionel Messi due to play England for the first time in an official match.
The meeting adds a fresh layer to a rivalry defined by World Cup history, from Mexico 1986 and the 1998 penalty shootout to England's group-stage win in 2002. This time, though, both camps have pushed the past to one side and focused on the football.
Messi has spent almost two decades with Argentina without coming up against England, largely because of tournament draws and the two sides' schedules. If this is his final World Cup, the semi-final would carry extra weight.
Lionel Scaloni's team have shown a habit of staying calm under pressure and controlling difficult matches. England, now coached by Thomas Tuchel, have become more aggressive without the ball and quicker in transition, but that approach can leave space behind the defence.
Much of the contest is expected to be decided in midfield, where England will try to speed up the game and Argentina will aim to slow it down. For both sides, a place in the final is the prize.