Arsenal icon, Ian Wright, has backed England defenders Marc Guéhi and John Stones to contain Lionel Messi when the Three Lions face Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Looking ahead to the last-four showdown, Wright said England’s defensive organisation, discipline in staying compact, and ability to block attacking spaces could prove decisive against the reigning champions.
He acknowledged Messi’s extraordinary quality, describing the Argentine captain as a player capable of producing moments of magic, but insisted England’s centre-back partnership has the form and tactical awareness to keep him under control.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Wright said, “If we get to a France or a Spain, I think the level goes to another place entirely.
“It’s gotta be difficult – it’s the final, isn’t it? But I don’t fear Argentina like I’d fear France or Spain, because I think there are a lot of fallacies with them.
“I am confident the duo of Guehi and stones will keep Messi quiet.”
Argentina, who won the World Cup in Qatar four years ago, have shown defensive weaknesses during the tournament and have leaned heavily on Messi’s brilliance to edge past Cape Verde and Egypt in the Round of 32 and Round of 16 respectively.
Now 39, Messi has continued to defy expectations with an outstanding campaign in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Argentine captain has scored eight goals to share the tournament’s scoring lead and produced a memorable group-stage hat-trick that saw him equal the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
