The stage is set for a mouth-watering showdown as Lionel Messi prepares to make history against England in the World Cup semi-finals. The Albiceleste icon has never faced the Three Lions before, but his reputation precedes him - and it's no surprise that Argentina fans are salivating at the prospect of their hero taking on one of England's top teams.
Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Saturday's quarter-final was a rollercoaster ride that left Messi without a goal for the first time this tournament, but he remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot - tied with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals and now the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
As England look to outmanoeuvre their opponents, BBC pundit Micah Richards has been touting Messi's sheer genius as a major concern. "England can outrun Argentina," he declared, "but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited!" Richards pinpointed the Argentine captain's peerless spatial awareness and 'next-level' aura as the key factors England must contend with.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney believes Messi's defensive limitations will be a vulnerability for Argentina, but also acknowledges his capacity to change games with moments of sheer brilliance. "He doesn't run back," Rooney noted, "but he has big moments and moments of quality. The thing with Messi is his decision-making – he comes to life in moments of the game and makes the right decision."
South American football expert Tim Vickery explained why this semi-final encounter was a dream come true for Argentina: "Lionel Messi couldn't possibly end an international career, over 200 matches, without playing the team that Argentina fans see as their biggest rival." With their rich history - from Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' in 1986 to Beckham's red card in 1998 - Argentina and England are poised for a thrilling renewal of their rivalry after almost two decades.