“I can’t wait” – Nico O’Reilly relishing Lionel Messi challenge ahead of Argentina World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly has expressed his excitement to face Argentina and Lionel Messi in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as England look to end 60 years of hurt.

The Three Lions, led by Thomas Tuchel, will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday with the knowledge that whoever wins will then play either Spain – led by Manchester City’s Rodri – in the final. 

O’Reilly, 21, has been outstanding for City and England in the past season, having made his international debut nine months ago and playing 53 games in all competitions for his boyhood club in the 2025-26 season.

England will have to respond to Argentina’s talent set out across the pitch, yet their most prominent threat comes in the shape of Lionel Messi, who has scored eight goals so far this summer and will be tasked with bettering O’Reilly down England’s left side.

For what is almost every defender’s dream growing up, O’Reilly will certainly live his by playing against one of the greatest in football history for the first time, and shares his excitement towards the challenge while showing little nerves. 

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” – O’Reilly looking forward to Messi battle

In conversation with official Manchester City media, O’Reilly said: “They (Argentina) have got Messi; in my opinion, he’s been the best player in world football. I can’t wait to play against him.

“He’s coming towards the end of his career, but for me personally, he’s the best player to ever touch a football pitch and I can’t wait for the challenge!”

O’Reilly’s rise to the top of the footballing pyramid came following an introduction into the first-team by former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who integrated the academy graduate into his side in the final 15 months of his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

Defender’s dream to face one of the greatest players of all time

To be called up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup was special for O’Reilly – and he has since played every single game of the competition for England alongside City teammates Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson.

“I can’t wait,” O’Reilly added when asked about the challenge of beating Argentina, who England beat 1-0 at the quarter-final stage of the 1966 edition of the tournament. 

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I know there’s a bit of history there, and I know they’re going to be fired up for it.

“So I think we just match their energy, match their passion, and go even harder. But yeah, of course, they have some great players. A big challenge, big task, but I believe in myself.”

O’Reilly earned a yellow card against Mexico just over a week ago and managed to survive the Norway game without succumbing to a second card, which could have meant he missed the upcoming Argentina clash. However, the left-back is set to start alongside Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Reece James in defence against Messi and co on Wednesday.