​Julian Alvarez’s dramatic strike for Argentina has again put Lionel Messi in the spotlight, as England prepare to face him for the first time in his 39-year career. After more than 20 years, this will be England’s long-awaited meeting with one of football’s greatest ever players, during a World Cup that keeps delivering unforgettable moments for both countries. Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta is shaping up to be a landmark occasion, and for Argentina, the anticipation has been building since the tournament began, with fans hoping for a potential showdown against Thomas Tuchel’s side. Now that match is within reach, the first Argentina-England clash since a 2005 friendly.
Expect Messi to dominate attention, but Argentina’s recent quarter-final victory over Switzerland served as a reminder that they have more than one world-class attacking threat. Julián Álvarez produced a moment of magic that will live long in memory, delivering the decisive winner in extra time with an extraordinary long-range strike that seemed to come out of nowhere. Was Switzerland unlucky to lose in such fashion? Probably. They had controlled long periods of the first hour and defended with discipline after Breel Embolo became the World Cup’s first red-card recipient for a case of mistaken identity. Yet, as so often happens in this tournament, destiny seemed to favor Argentina, and Álvarez’s strike felt almost ordained.
Álvarez’s goal, centered in the heart of the screen, was a peak of technique and composure, the ball hitting its sweet spot in the Kansas air and flying into the top corner with precision. It was a goal that could be described as among the tournament’s best, perhaps even its goal of the competition, timed at 112 minutes to put Argentina back in front and deflate the Swiss resolve. With Switzerland reduced to ten men, Lautaro Martínez added a late counter-attacking goal, sealing the win for Argentina. The match had seen Argentina break through early via Alexis Mac Allister, but they were far from flawless in the 11 against 11 phase, while Granit Xhaka had controlled much of the midfield before the red card shifted the balance.
The controversy surrounding Embolo’s second yellow, ruled by VAR as a dive after an initial booking for Leandro Paredes was overturned, added extra drama to a game already brimming with tension. Switzerland’s players roared at the decision, but the outcome stood and Alvarez’s sensational strike sealed the victory. The victory not only earned Argentina a place in the semi-final but also reinforced their belief that they can win games through moments of individual brilliance, as well as collective resilience.
Now the focus shifts to England and how to stop Messi, while also containing the rest of Lionel Scaloni’s dangerous lineup. The big question for Gareth Southgate’s side is how to cope with a front line that includes a talismanic figure in Messi and a second wave of attackers capable of turning a game in an instant. Who, beyond Messi, represents the greatest threat to England? How vulnerable are Argentina to England’s strengths? These questions will be at the heart of Telegraph Sport’s analysis as the two sides prepare to meet in what promises to be a landmark encounter in the annals of both nations’ football histories.