The most important thing in this match will continue to be the tactical talent of coach Lionel Scaloni. Against a well-organized England under Thomas Tuchel, Scaloni's improvisation ability can make a difference.
Argentina still brings a very special source of energy. Not only Lionel Messi, what I see is that since the 2022 World Cup championship, especially the victory over France in the penalty shootout, Argentina's opponents often have very similar expressions when the match enters the final stage.
They still want to win in 90 minutes or 120 minutes, but towards the end of the match, they are more likely to fall into a state of impatience. The reason is very simple, because almost no team wants to solve the match in a penalty shootout with Argentina.
There is always a very big shadow of Emiliano Martinez there. This goalkeeper creates huge psychological pressure on the opponent.
Messi is also someone who understands that very well. His experience and bravery help Argentina know exactly when to accelerate, when to make opponents impatient. That is a quality that not many teams possess.
In terms of force, I still rate England as more full. They have many young, energetic, fast and physically strong players.
However, Argentina has repeatedly proven that they can overcome physical limitations with fighting spirit and collective cohesion. That is an energy that is very difficult to explain but always appears in major tournaments.
I think this match is likely to last longer than 90 minutes. This is a scenario that the Argentine team is not too unfamiliar with. They have entered extra time or penalty shootouts many times in major tournaments and always maintain their composure.
However, if I have to make a choice, I still lean towards the possibility that England will win. It may be a very hard-fought victory after 120 minutes, even having to be decided on penalties, but the quality of the squad and physical foundation can help the "Three Lions" make a difference.
Besides professional factors, this match also has a very special meaning for Lionel Messi. After more than two decades of playing at the top level, owning almost all major and minor titles in his career, this is the first time he has faced England at the national team level in an official tournament.
That clash took place in the World Cup semi-finals - a time that could decide the entire journey to conquer the championship. That is a very interesting detail. Such matches always have the ability to awaken the best version of Messi.
Maybe everyone understands what Messi will do, but preventing the inspiration he creates is a completely different story.
If I had to predict, I think the two teams would easily draw 1-1 after 90 minutes. Even, the balance could extend to extra time. This is a semi-final where the gap between the two teams is almost negligible and just a moment of brilliance or a small mistake is enough to decide the ticket to the 2026 World Cup final.
