England left-back Nico O’Reilly is relishing the “once-in-a-lifetime alternative” to face Lionel Messi in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in opposition to Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel’s secured a spot within the remaining 4 with a draining 2-1 win in opposition to Norway within the Miami warmth on Saturday, and now face a match in Atlanta in opposition to the defending world champions, who noticed off Switzerland 3-1.
It will likely be the primary time Messi has confronted England, and at 39, it may very well be the final. Manchester Metropolis defender O’Reilly has by no means confronted him at membership degree both.
“I am unable to wait,” O’Reilly, who will most likely should defend in opposition to Messi one-on-one if he begins at left-back, informed BBC Radio 5 Stay.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime alternative. He is coming in the direction of the tip of his profession. For me personally, he is the very best participant to ever contact a soccer pitch. And yeah, I am unable to await the problem.”
Messi started the match with a hat-trick in a 3-0 win in opposition to Algeria as he turned the all-time main goalscorer in World Cup historical past, equalling Miroslav Klose’s report of 16, which had stood since 2014.
The Argentina captain has since scored 5 extra to take that report – his whole of eight objectives placing him joint-first with France’s Kylian Mbappe within the Golden Boot race, and taking his profession World Cup tally to 21.
Whereas the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is Argentina’s predominant risk, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford warned in opposition to ignoring the opposite skills in Lionel Scaloni’s aspect.
“He has scored so many objectives and contributed to so many over his profession. It is nice to lastly come up in opposition to him after so lengthy, and watching him as a child,” Pickford informed media at England’s coaching base in Kansas on Monday.
“Everyone knows how good Messi is however we additionally know the way good Argentina are. We will not solely depend on [stopping] Messi. We have got to concentrate on their different strengths and the weaknesses we are able to benefit from.”
The winner of the semi-final will face both France or Spain – who play one another on Tuesday (20:00 BST) – within the World Cup remaining on the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, 19 July (20:00 BST).
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