First England clash for Messi after 20-year career
Lionel Messi has spent over two decades carving a path through international soccer, facing every World Cup-winning nation from Brazil to France, but one notable opponent has always been missing: England. That changes Wednesday when Argentina meets England in the World Cup semi-final. It will be the first time the two countries have met in a competitive match since the 2002 World Cup, when David Beckham scored a winning penalty.
Argentina edges Switzerland in extra time
A stunning extra-time strike from Julian Alvarez carried Lionel Messi's Argentina to a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in Kansas City. Alvarez's goal broke a 1-1 deadlock, sending the defending champions through to the semi-finals. England reached the same stage by defeating Erling Haaland's Norway in a tense quarter-final in Miami.
Historic semi-final in Kansas City
The match pits the defending champions against a resurgent England side. The 39-year-old Messi could be playing in his last World Cup match against England, adding to the drama. Spain will face France in the other semi-final, with the winners meeting at MetLife Stadium for the final.