Messi warns England 'we never stop believing' ahead of World Cup semi-final in Atlanta

Lionel Messi has issued a pointed warning to England ahead of Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, declaring that his Argentina side will never stop believing after a hard-fought extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland in Kansas.

Defending champions Argentina set up the last-four clash just hours after England defeated Norway, with a place in Sunday’s final against either France or Spain at stake. Messi, posting on Instagram after the final whistle, wrote: “Again it suffered but this team never stops believing. We’re in the top four in the world again!!! Let’s f*g go.”

Switzerland made a positive start, but Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock after just 10 minutes, heading home from a corner. Murat Yakin’s side drew level through Dan Ndoye shortly after the hour mark, only for the match to turn dramatically moments later. A yellow card shown to Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Breel Embolo was overturned by VAR — with Embolo instead booked for simulation, his second yellow of the game. The striker was visibly distraught as he was escorted from the pitch.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Switzerland forced extra time before Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina’s progression. Coach Lionel Scaloni was candid in his assessment afterwards. “The truth is that luck was on our side today, because they had a player sent off and, from there, the team went on the attack,” he said. “We have to be realistic, we have things to improve on, but winning is always better. What this team achieved today is historic. Even though we could have played better, being in a semi-final again is historic.”

England, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. Thomas Tuchel acknowledged his side rode their luck and must raise their level to go all the way. “I think we can play better. In general, it was not a high-level game,” the Three Lions head coach said, while also crediting his players’ resilience. “The effort, team spirit, the belief and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level.”

The two nations will meet in Atlanta on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final.