Lionel Messi appears to be entering the closing days of one of football’s most extraordinary international careers a journey that began in 2005 when an 18‑year‑old prodigy stepped onto the pitch for Argentina for the very first time.
Having broken into Barcelona’s first team the previous year and dazzled at the Under‑20 World Cup in the Netherlands, Messi earned his senior debut under José Pekerman in a friendly against Hungary. He replaced Lisandro López in the 64th minute, lining up alongside Hernán Crespo.
Ninety seconds later, he was sent off for what the referee judged to be an elbow a stunningly harsh introduction to international football. Crespo defended the teenager at the time, saying an 18‑year‑old “can’t be punished like that” and deserved more understanding. Messi later missed a friendly against England due to the suspension, and the two nations have not met since.
That long wait ends now. Under the roof of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Messi will finally face England for the first time in his career and in a World Cup semi‑final, no less.
“I have played against everyone except England and it is special because they are a major nation, a powerhouse,” Messi said after Argentina’s quarter‑final win over Switzerland in Kansas City. “It is always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semi‑final.”
From a red card on debut to a historic showdown nearly two decades later, Messi’s international story continues to deliver drama, emotion and moments that define eras. As he approaches what may be his final matches for Argentina, the football world watches knowing every appearance could be one of his last.
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