Messi Has Never Faced England in an Official Match — Until Wednesday
Messi has never faced England in an official match. On Wednesday, that changes — in a World Cup semi-final with a 36-year curse on the line.
More than 200 appearances for Argentina. One hundred and twenty-five goals — the all-time top scorer in Albiceleste history. And yet, in official matches, Lionel Messi has never crossed paths with England. On Wednesday (15th), at 16:00 Brasília time, that meeting finally happens — in a World Cup semi-final.
On the other side, Thomas Tuchel and his England side arrive with a mission every manager in the world has attempted and few have pulled off: stopping Messi when everything is on the line.
But it is not just the individual duel that looms large. Argentina carry a curse that few remember: the Albiceleste have not beaten another world-champion nation in normal time at a World Cup in 36 years, according to UOL Esporte. Three and a half decades without toppling a major power inside 90 minutes. Against England — four-time champions — that drought is back in the spotlight.
The Golmetria model sees Argentina as favourites for the title, with a 23.61% chance of lifting the trophy, compared to 15.32% for England. In the final, the numbers also favour the Albiceleste: a 44.66% probability of making it there, against 37.73% for the English.
But probability does not play football. Tuchel has a plan — and Messi has 36 years of history waiting to be rewritten.
Wednesday decides it.