The pulse between two generational talents
The World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England will have an inevitable face-to-face: Lionel Messi, 39, against Jude Bellingham, 23. Sixteen years separate them, but both are the driving forces of their teams.
It will be the first time that Messi faces England in an official match. English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford recognized the Argentine’s greatness:
“We all know Messi’s excellence, but also Argentina’s. It’s great to face him after watching him play since I was a child.”
Pickford, however, warned that the Argentine team seeks to repeat the title, something that has not been achieved since Brazil 1958-1962.
Key data of the confrontation
Messi has eight goals and two assists in his sixth World Cup. With 21 goals in the history of the Cup, he is the top scorer. Leading Argentina to consecutive championships would put him at the level of the legendary Diego Maradona.
Bellingham, in its second World Cup, has responded with six goals, including doubles against Mexico and Norway. He arrived at the tournament with doubts about his role under coach Thomas Tuchel, but he established himself as an English figure.
A rivalry that transcends the field
Argentina and England relive a history full of memorable episodes. In 1966, Argentine captain Antonio Rattín was expelled and sat on Queen Elizabeth’s red carpet. In Mexico 1986, four years after the Falklands War, Maradona signed the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century.
Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister commented:
“It means a lot because it is a semi-final. Being inspired by what Diego did is complicated; only Leo can do it. I hope we achieve something similar.”
It will be the sixth World Cup match. The balance favors England with three victories, the last in 2002 (1-0). Argentina will play in their blue away jersey, the same one they wore when they won in 1986 and when they eliminated England on penalties in 1998 after David Beckham was sent off.
Both teams arrive in Atlanta with their sights set on the final. Messi seeks a finishing touch to his career; Bellingham, confirm that he is the heir of the new era.
