England have booked a semi-final place for just fourth time in their history, after beating Norway 2-1 in the quarters, and Argentina are bidding to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups.
Captain Messi has been vital for Argentina so far, matching Kylan Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot charts with eight goals scored, and the quarterfinal win over Switzerland was the first time he's failed to score in this tournament.
The 39-year-old continues to defy the odds, as he played 120 minutes for a third game in a row, and he will lead Argentina into battle in Atlanta.
Julian Alvarez has spoken openly about how the selflessness of the team is helping Messi and former England captain Wayne Rooney believes that could be an issue against Thomas Tuchel's charges.
"He can be a weakness defensively for Argentina," he told BBC SportF.
"He doesn't run back, but he has big moments a bit like with Jude Bellingham. He has big moments and moments of quality.
"The thing with Messi is his decision-making – he comes to life in moments of the game and he makes the right decision.
"Marking Messi is about concentration and communication. Communicating with your teammates about picking up positions you might not usually pick up."
Messi remains out in front as the all-time World Cup top goal scorer with 21 as Mbappe stays on 20 with Harry Kane now on 14.