‘Messi can be a weakness’: Wayne Rooney identifies Argentina's defensive flaw England must exploit in World Cup semifinal

‘Messi can be a weakness’: Wayne Rooney identifies Argentina's defensive flaw England must exploit in World Cup semifinal

England must view Lionel Messi as both Argentina's greatest weapon and their biggest tactical weakness when the two nations meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, according to former Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney.

Writing in his BBC Sport column ahead of Wednesday's blockbuster clash, Rooney said England should not be intimidated by Messi's reputation and instead focus on exploiting the spaces the Argentine captain leaves behind when his side is out of possession.

"It's easier said than done because Messi can hurt you at any moment," Rooney wrote. "But if England can move the ball quickly and make Argentina defend for long periods, then Messi can become a weakness because he doesn't press or track back like he used to."

Rooney believes England's energetic midfield, led by Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, could play a decisive role by forcing Argentina to defend deeper while stretching their shape across the pitch.

England should target Messi's side

According to Rooney, modern teams often build attacks through the channel occupied by Messi because the 39-year-old conserves energy for decisive moments in attack rather than contributing extensively to defensive pressing.

That means England's full-backs and wide midfielders should not hesitate to overload Argentina's right side, creating numerical superiority and forcing the defending champions to shift across.

However, Rooney warned that any tactical gamble comes with significant risk.

"If you lose the ball cheaply, Messi will punish you," he noted, adding that England must maintain defensive discipline whenever possession changes hands.

Argentina remain formidable

Despite highlighting a possible weakness, Rooney stressed that Argentina remain one of the tournament's strongest teams.

The defending champions have reached the semi-finals after overcoming Switzerland in the quarter-finals and have displayed the composure and resilience that carried them to the 2022 World Cup title.

Messi has once again been central to Argentina's campaign, contributing crucial goals and assists while orchestrating attacks alongside a talented supporting cast.

England's confidence growing

England, meanwhile, enter the semi-final after defeating Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Under Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions have steadily improved throughout the tournament, combining defensive solidity with moments of attacking brilliance.

Bellingham has emerged as England's standout performer, while Harry Kane's experience and leadership continue to provide an important focal point in attack.

Rooney believes England possess the quality to challenge Argentina but insists maintaining concentration for the full 90 minutes—or longer—will be essential.

A rivalry renewed

England and Argentina share one of football's most storied rivalries, with memorable World Cup meetings stretching back decades.

Their latest encounter offers England a chance to reach another World Cup final, while Argentina are aiming to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

With Messi chasing another chapter in his legendary international career and England seeking to end decades of World Cup heartbreak, the semi-final promises to be one of the tournament's defining matches.