England manager Thomas Tuchel understands Lionel Messi will be their biggest threat in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, but also acknowledges that planning a strategy to stop him is a tough job. The Argentina captain has almost single-handedly carried his team to the last four. But now, he will be facing a stiff challenge in the form of England, who have world-class talent like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in the squad. At the age of 39, Messi continues to raise eyebrows with his impeccable skills.
The Barcelona icon currently tops the goal-scoring charts and looks promising to claim the first-ever FIFA World Cup Golden Boot of his career. As the Three Lions prepare to face the best player in history, Tuchel seemed skeptical about his plans to stop Messi in the England vs Argentina semi-final.
How Will Thomas Tuchel’s England Stop Messi?
Argentina have overcome many crunch situations in this FIFA World Cup 2026, and almost every time, Lionel Messi stepped up as the saviour, be it by scoring a decisive last-gasp goal or providing a key assist. In fact, he has been involved in 10 of 17 Argentina goals so far.
When asked about his plans for Messi, Thomas Tuchel responded with a cheeky smile. Referring to the Argentine’s unparalleled talent, the England national football team manager said, “We are totally aware that we cannot stop him all the time and for 100 per cent.”
Thomas Tuchel Heaps Praise On Lionel Messi Ahead Of England vs Argentina Semi-Final
The England coach said, “He’s a very different player from Erling Haaland, but we did very, very well in our way, in the way you maybe should play against Erling, so we will find a way now.”
“He finds spaces, he finds moments, and I think the big thing is the whole team buys into that idea. They buy into the idea to support him, to help him, and they are just ready when he bursts into action to make the difference. We will prepare for that, of course,” Tuchel added further.
