It has been a long, gruelling journey for Argentina as they defend their World Cup crown. The reigning champions have faced one demanding challenge after another since finishing top of their group.

After being pushed to extra time by Cape Verde and battling back from two goals down to overcome Egypt, Argentina once again required extra time to defeat Switzerland — a match in which they finally displayed glimpses of their trademark brilliance.

Despite being the reigning world champions and unbeaten in competitive fixtures since their 2019 defeat to Brazil, Argentina have yet to match the dominant performances seen from France or Spain in this tournament. Nevertheless, they now stand just one step away from another World Cup final and the opportunity to retain their title.

Speaking ahead of the crucial semi-final, manager Lionel Scaloni expressed his anticipation for what promises to be a monumental encounter for both nations.

“We are in good shape, and we really can’t wait. This is a World Cup semi-final, and our hopes remain alive. We are so thankful to these players for bringing us here once again,” Scaloni said.

One player who deserves particular gratitude is Lionel Messi. Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, the 39-year-old has led Argentina through the group stage and knockout rounds with eight goals and two assists in six World Cup appearances.

Messi is aiming to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Diego Maradona, whose two iconic goals against England in 1986 remain etched in Argentine football folklore. The former Barcelona superstar, however, has never faced England in any of his 201 international matches for Argentina.

Scaloni also reflected on Maradona’s legacy, referencing the two goals that came to be known as ‘The Hand of God’ and ‘The Goal of the Century’.

“I think everyone remembers that match — and Diego’s performance, especially the second goal, which will stay in all our hearts because it was so wonderful,” Scaloni remarked.

“It was a magnificent goal, and every true football fan cherishes it. It just happened to come against England.”

Argentina will hope to replicate that same success nearly four decades later, and Scaloni believes his squad’s experience in high-pressure knockout fixtures could prove decisive for the Albiceleste.

“We have some experience in these types of matches. It doesn’t necessarily guarantee an advantage, but it certainly makes you calmer,” he explained.

“This will be our fifth semi-final together as a team, and that gives us confidence. The players are composed and ready for the challenge.”

When asked about England’s strengths, Scaloni acknowledged the influence of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have been instrumental in guiding the Three Lions to their fourth World Cup semi-final appearance.

“We always strive to refine our own game and contain such players in the best way possible. We might make adjustments, or we might stick with what has worked before. The players don’t yet know the starting lineup,” Scaloni said.

“We are facing two of the finest footballers in the world, and any manager would be delighted to have them. We have our own strengths, and we’ll do everything possible to neutralise theirs.”

While this match represents one of football’s great rivalries, its off-field context adds another layer of complexity due to the lingering tensions from the Falklands War of 1982, which claimed the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British soldiers, and three civilians during a 74-day conflict.

The islands, referred to in Argentina as ‘Las Malvinas’, remain a sensitive topic of sovereignty dispute, particularly among Argentines.

Both managers were questioned about the political undertones surrounding this historic rivalry. Scaloni responded, “The truth is, this is a football match. I can’t mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago.”

“It was a very sad chapter in our history, and there’s little we can do about it now — that’s the reality. Things are happening elsewhere in the world today, and we condemn war in all its forms. Of course, we remember those who lost their lives, but this is football; we must not confuse the two.”

Combining history, controversy, pride, and passion, this fixture promises to be a World Cup classic. Argentina are chasing history, hoping to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive World Cups, while England are eager to move one step closer to their first major trophy since 1966 — the very tournament where this storied rivalry first began.