Nico O’Reilly eyes Messi duel in World Cup semi

O’Reilly’s anticipation and experience

England stands one win away from a second World Cup final appearance, and Nico O’Reilly knows he is part of a rare opportunity. The 21‑year‑old left‑back has never faced Lionel Messi in a club match, and at 39 Messi may be playing his last World Cup. “I can’t wait for the challenge,” O’Reilly told BBC Radio 5 Live, adding that Messi is “the best player to ever touch a football pitch.”

O’Reilly expects a one‑on‑one battle if he starts at left‑back, a role that puts him directly in front of the eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner. The encounter marks the first time Messi will face England, a fact that adds extra weight to the semi‑final clash. For both players, the match represents a defining moment in their respective careers.

Messi’s record‑breaking campaign

Messi opened the tournament with a hat‑trick in a 3‑0 victory over Algeria, moving level with Miroslav Klose’s long‑standing record of 16 World Cup goals set in 2014. He has since added five more strikes, placing him alongside Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Golden Boot race. His total of eight goals in the competition underscores his ongoing impact despite his advancing age.

The Argentina captain’s scoring spree has kept his team in contention for the title, while also highlighting his durability at the highest level. Messi’s ability to produce decisive performances reinforces Argentina’s status as a final‑four contender. The semi‑final against England will be another test of his late‑career brilliance.

Road to the final

The winner of Wednesday’s semi‑final will meet either France or Spain, who play each other on Tuesday at 20:00 BST. The ultimate prize is a place in the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, also at 20:00. O’Reilly’s side knows that victory would secure England’s first final appearance since 1966. The stakes are high for both nations, with history on the line for the English side.

In addition to the on‑field battle, the match promises to be a showcase of contrasting styles. England’s defensive solidity will be tested by Messi’s creativity, while Argentina’s experience will be countered by the home team’s ambition. The outcome could shape the legacy of both Messi and O’Reilly, who each view this clash as a defining chapter in their careers.

• Messi, 39, is the eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner and all‑time World Cup goal record holder (tied with Klose at 16).
• His eight tournament goals place him joint‑top on the Golden Boot with Kylian Mbappé.
• O’Reilly, 21, is a left‑back for England and has never faced Messi in a club setting.
• The semi‑final is scheduled for Wednesday, with the final set for Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium at 20:00.