When people speak about England vs. Argentina, the first player mentioned is Messi, and immediately after that, Harry Kane’s name comes up.
Both players have been prolific goal scorers for quite a while. Well, Messi has actually been at it for seven more years than Kane. Both men are heroes in their countries, and both are among the wealthiest athletes in their nations. Messi’s estimated net worth of $1.1 billion makes him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, which is somewhat rare at the age of 39.
Money follows talent, making this a dream semifinal for FIFA.
Messi, Kane and Bellingham Chase World Cup Glory
Chasing the Cup also requires scoring goals.
Comparing the two top goal scorers from each team, Argentina’s Messi and Lautaro Martínez have combined for 10 goals, while England has a two-goal edge by comparison at 12 goals, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane each scoring six.
These dynamic duos have a lot riding on their shoulders, but the real battles may be taking place elsewhere throughout the pitch.
We could start with Argentina’s average age of 30, the highest in the tournament, but that could be an advantage based on experience or a disadvantage based on physical fitness and speed. So we will start in the back instead.
Goalkeepers and Defenders Could Decide the Match
This brings us to the two star goalkeepers, who both play in the EPL, both are in their 30s, and both have been stellar in the tournament.
These guys have been amazing, and if it comes down to penalties, Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa was in net for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final shootout. Because of that, it is reasonable to favor him over Jordan Pickford of Everton, who is also capable of rising up in big moments.
Another great comparison exists with the center backs. It is interesting that each team’s top center back also plays in the EPL and already has an established rivalry going.
England’s Marc Guéhi plays at Manchester City, while Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez plays at Manchester United. Each player largely contributes to the success of his respective nation.
Jude Bellingham vs. Rodrigo De Paul Is the Key Battle
With Messi and Kane showcasing their value to the world, the real battle may come down to how well Rodrigo De Paul performs in comparison to Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham has been one of the two best players in the tournament, alongside Rodri of Spain, and will be a very difficult matchup assignment.
Argentina is banking on the chemistry from Inter Miami teammates Messi and De Paul to lead the way to success, but that might be too difficult for 33-year-old Rodrigo De Paul to contain 23-year-old rising world superstar and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who has been balling it up every game for England.
England and Argentina Renew a Historic Rivalry
The two countries have had storied matches in World Cups past, but have not actually faced each other since an international friendly in 2005, where England won 3-2.
This will also mark the first time in Lionel Messi’s illustrious career that he has ever played against England.
The Three Lions possess one of the most talented squads in the tournament, while Argentina is filled with players who understand what it takes to win at the highest level.
England and Argentina have faced each other five times in the FIFA World Cup. England has won three matches, and Argentina has won two, with many intense and controversial moments along the way.
England defeated Argentina in 2002 on a lone goal by David Beckham to avenge a 1998 loss to Argentina. In the 1986 World Cup, the two nations battled at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of the 16 venues in World Cup 2026. That match is famous for Diego Maradona’s two iconic goals. His first was the controversial and memorable “Hand of God” goal, where Maradona debatably knocked the ball in with his hand. His second was called the “Goal of the Century,” which eliminated England.
A Storybook Ending Is Waiting
This game has every ingredient for yet another legendary match that may always be remembered, and it will likely result in a storybook ending regardless of who wins.
If Argentina moves on and wins, it is going to be the Great Messi Cup, with even more MessiMania. If England advances and goes on to take the Cup, it will be quite ironic and iconic due to this July marking the 250-year anniversary of American independence from England.
Either way, it is the Lionel Messi final chapter with a storybook ending, or the Kane and Bellingham England Cup story.
For FIFA, it is a win-win scenario that sets up an amazing 2026 World Cup Final this coming Sunday, July 19.
