Lionel Messi relishing first match against 'powerhouse' England

Argentina booked their place in the last four with a 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland, while England edged Norway 2-1 thanks to a Jude Bellingham double, setting up a heavyweight showdown in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Although Messi has made more than 200 appearances for Argentina and won almost every major honour in the game, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has never faced England at senior international level.

"Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special," Messi told ESPN Argentina.

"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.

"We'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."

Messi said his knowledge of Argentina's famous World Cup clashes with England comes from the stories and footage that have become part of the country's football culture.

"Everything I have seen and remember is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive," he said. "But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent."

The semi-final rekindles one of international football's most storied rivalries, from Diego Maradona's unforgettable "Hand of God" and solo goal at the 1986 World Cup to David Beckham's red card in the 1998 tournament. Remarkably, however, it will be the countries' first meeting in almost 21 years and Messi's first against the Three Lions after missing their last encounter in 2005 through suspension.

Argentina arrive in formidable form, having won all six of their matches at this World Cup. They have scored exactly three goals in each of their last four games, with Julian Alvarez's superb extra-time strike sealing victory over Switzerland after Messi, despite failing to score for the first time in the tournament, provided the assist for Alexis Mac Allister's opener.

Álvarez believes Argentina have earned their place among the world's elite but expects another stern examination.

"We are very proud to be among the top four teams in the world," he said. "England, we know, has impressive players. They are a great team that's been doing things well, but we need to recuperate and prepare our game."

The magnitude of the occasion is not lost on Argentina's players.

"Off the field, it's a match-up with a lot of history, a lot of pain and a lot of story behind it," forward Jose Manuel Lopez said. "But we're professionals and we'll play it like we have every other game. It's a World Cup semi-final and we don't need more motivation than that."

England's task will centre on containing Messi, who leads the Golden Boot race alongside France's Kylian Mbappe with eight goals despite drawing a blank against Switzerland.

Former England defender Micah Richards believes Messi remains the decisive figure in Argentina's side.

"Everyone should be excited," Richards said. "Marking him is impossible because he finds little spaces where he shouldn't really be. His spatial awareness is fantastic. Most importantly, he's got personality and aura. Messi's aura is just next level."

Wayne Rooney echoed that view, suggesting Messi's influence extends beyond his defensive limitations.

"He doesn't run back, but he has big moments and moments of quality," Rooney said. "His decision-making is what makes him so dangerous. Marking Lionel Messi is about concentration and communication."

Regardless of the tactical battle, Messi believes Argentina's focus remains unchanged.

"This group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent," he said. "We'll prepare as well as possible and compete again."

With a place in next Sunday's World Cup final against either Spain or France at stake, another chapter is about to be written in one of football's greatest rivalries.

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham responds to criticism as England reach World Cup semis