The Argentine talisman will take on the Three Lions for the first time in his storied career when the two nations meet in Atlanta for a place in the final on Wednesday (15.07.26) and says it will be "special" to renew the famous World Cup rivalry between the two sides.

Referring to the famous 1986 quarter-final between the teams, Messi told ESPN Argentina: "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.

"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 semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."

Meanwhile, Messi says that Argentina's run of success in tournaments is "not normal" as they kept their defence of the trophy going with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland after extra time in Saturday's (11.07.26) quarter-final clash.

The Inter Miami forward said: "It's good that [Argentine] people are enjoying it as much as we are. That's how we live it.

"This group has got people used to doing things that aren't normal: it's not easy to come back from being world champions, winning everything we won, and then continue competing and remaining at that level, among the top four, playing in another semi-final... It's not normal, that's why we have to enjoy it so much.

"We don't know if it will happen again, if it will happen again, when. We went a long time without being world champions until the last time, so everything that comes next should be enjoyed and valued. We will try to rest, recover our strength and compete in the semi-final."