Lionel Messi has sent a warning to England’s players (Image: Getty)
Lionel Messi has sent a warning to England’s players ahead of Wednesday’s mouth-watering World Cup semi-final clash. Messi’s Argentina side will face the Three Lions in Atlanta, with a place in Sunday’s final against either France or Spain on the line.
Defending champions Argentina set up the final four showdown after overcoming 10-man Switzerland just hours after England beat Norway. And Messi, taking to Instagram after his side’s victory in Kansas, warned: “Again it suffered but this team never stops believing. We’re in the top four in the world again!!! Let’s f*****g go.”
While in an interview with ESPN Argentina, the Inter Miami star added: “Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive. But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special. Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.
“And we’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
Despite Switzerland’s positive start, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring after just 10 minutes when he headed home a corner. But Murat Yakin’s side deservedly equalised through Dan Ndoye just after the hour-mark, but their momentum came to a screeching halt just minutes later.
What was initially given as a yellow card to Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Breel Embolo was reversed by VAR and instead Embolo was booked for a dive – his second yellow of the match. Embolo was visibly distraught at the decision, but his protests were given no mind as a team staff member accompanied him back to the change room.
Lionel Scaloni with Lionel Messi during Argentina’s win over Switzerland (Image: Getty)
And although the Swiss managed to take the game to extra-time, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed victory for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
“The truth is that luck was on our side today, because they had a player sent off and, from there, the team went on the attack,” the Argentina coach said.
“We have to be realistic, we have things to improve on, but winning is always better. That said, what this team achieved today is historic. Even though we could have played better, being in a semi-final again is historic.”
Wednesday’s semi-final will mark the first time England have faced Messi at a World Cup, but Scaloni said: “It doesn’t matter whether it’s England or Norway. “We’re going to come up against a team that plays very well and has a great coach.”
He added: “When you reach a semi-final, you need to suffer,” Scaloni said. “You need to go through it.”