England national team left-back Nico O’Reilly expressed his excitement ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal clash against Argentina. The Manchester City player admitted that the opportunity to face Lionel Messi is a rare moment that might never happen again in his football career.
The clash between England and defending champions Argentina is scheduled to take place at the Atlanta Stadium, United States, on Thursday (16/7) at 02:00 WIB. For O’Reilly, this match is not just about securing a ticket to the final, but also a major test of facing a player he considers the greatest in the history of the sport.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At the twilight of his career, Messi is still the main threat on the pitch. I am really looking forward to this challenge," O'Reilly told local media. England's strategy will likely position O'Reilly as a key player to neutralize the movements of the megastar, who has now reached the age of 39.
This meeting writes its own piece of history, considering it is the first time Messi will face the England national team in his international career. Messi himself has performed impressively throughout the tournament, collecting eight goals, making him the joint top scorer alongside Kylian Mbappé.
To date, Messi has accumulated a total of 21 goals in World Cup history, a fantastic record that solidifies his status. The winner of this fierce duel will advance to the final at the New York Stadium to face either France or Spain in the battle for the world title.
