‘We’ll put Lionel Messi to bed’: Joe Cole’s bold warning ahead of England v Argentina 2026 World Cup semi-final

NEW DELHI: England and Argentina are set for another sensational match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they clash in the semi-finals at the Atlanta Stadium. Ahead of the thrilling clash, former England winger Joe Cole backed the Three Lions to stop the Argentina captain and book a place in the final.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Cole said England have what it takes to neutralize the reigning world champions’ biggest star. “We’re going to have to put Lionel Messi to bed. We’re going to put him to bed,” Cole said.Cole also believes England’s attacking power will be too much for Argentina despite Lionel Scaloni’s side reaching a second consecutive World Cup semi-final.

Messi shines despite goal drought

Messi failed to score in Argentina’s quarter-final against Switzerland, ending his World Cup scoring streak, but still came up big.Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister’s opener with a superb corner in the 10th minute after winning with clever footwork.Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute, forcing the match into extra time. Julian Alvarez then produced a stunning strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez added a third as Argentina secured a 3-1 victory.Messi also needed treatment after receiving a cut over his right eye during the match, but continued to play.

Rivalry between England and Argentina

The semi-final will be the last World Cup meeting between England and Argentina, having previously met in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002.England won the last World Cup meeting in 2002 thanks to David Beckham’s penalty.Argentina are the defending world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar and are progressing in the race for the world title.

Both teams fought to advance to the semi-finals

Argentina did not have an easy way to the last four. In the round of 16, Argentina needed extra time to beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 before mounting a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16.Against Switzerland, they again needed overtime before Alvarez and Martinez sealed the win.Argentina also beat Algeria, Austria and Jordan during the group stage and, along with France, remain the only teams with a 100% record in the tournament, including extra-time wins.England also needed extra time in the quarter-finals to secure a place in the semi-finals, setting up another high-stakes clash with the defending champions.