Joe Cole Backs England to Neutralize Lionel Messi in World Cup Semifinal

Lionel Messi (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: England and Argentina are set for another blockbuster FIFA World Cup clash as they meet in the 2026 semifinal at Atlanta Stadium. Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, former England winger Joe Cole backed the Three Lions to stop the Argentina captain and book their place in the final. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Cole said England have what it takes to neutralise the reigning world champions' biggest star. “We will have to put Lionel Messi to bed. We’re going to put him to bed," Cole said. Cole also believes England's attacking strength will prove too much for Argentina despite Lionel Scaloni's side reaching a second straight World Cup semifinal.

Messi shines despite goal drought

Messi failed to score in Argentina's quarterfinal against Switzerland, ending his World Cup scoring streak, but he still made a major impact. Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister's opening goal with a superb corner in the 10th minute after winning it with clever footwork. Switzerland equalised in the 67th minute, forcing the match into extra time. Julian Alvarez then produced a stunning strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez added a third as Argentina secured a 3-1 victory. Messi also needed treatment after taking a blow near his right eye during the match but continued playing.

England vs Argentina rivalry

The semifinal will be the latest World Cup meeting between England and Argentina, who have previously faced each other in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002. England won the last World Cup meeting in 2002 thanks to David Beckham's penalty. Argentina are the defending world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar and are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles.

Both teams battled hard to reach semifinals

Argentina have not had an easy road to the last four. In the Round of 32, Argentina needed extra time to edge World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 before producing a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. The South Americans scored three goals in just 13 minutes after trailing until the 79th minute. Against Switzerland, they again needed extra time before Alvarez and Martinez sealed victory. Argentina also defeated Algeria, Austria and Jordan during the group stage and, along with France, remain the only teams with a 100% record in the tournament, including extra-time wins. England, too, needed extra time in the quarterfinals to book their place in the semifinal, setting up another high-stakes showdown with the defending champions.

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