It’s special as England are among world’s powerhouses: Messi

Lionel Messi. Pic/AFP

In the build-up to their all-important World Cup semi-final clash against England, Argentina's talismanic skipper Lionel Messi said he is excited to take field for the first time against the Three Lions.

Yes, Messi has never faced England in 205 international caps for Argentina, and he is also aware of this fact. "It'll be a special match because I've never played against England," Messi said.

Argentina last faced England in a friendly in 2005, which England won 3-2. Interestingly, Messi didn't figure in that match because he received a red card in the previous game against Hungary.

Messi asserted his men are up for the England challenge. "They're also a great team, one of the world's powerhouses, and it's always wonderful to play against sides like that. It's an encounter that promises to be huge," he said.

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