O'Reilly: Stopping Messi is the biggest challenge of my football career

Nico O'Reilly has spoken of his excitement at the prospect of marking Lionel Messi when England meet Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.

The 21-year-old Manchester City defender, who is expected to be given the job of tracking the Argentina captain, told the BBC the occasion could come only once in a career. He said Messi may be nearing the end of his playing days and called the chance to face him special.

O'Reilly also described Messi as the best player to have played the game, saying the challenge would be hugely compelling.

England and Argentina meet on Wednesday in Atlanta, with the winner going through to the World Cup final. A direct duel between O'Reilly and Messi would be one of the game’s main attractions.