Lionel Messi makes big claim about England as he sends warning to Three Lions players

Lionel Messi has heaped praise on Thomas Tuchel's England, calling them a "powerhouse" as he prepares to face the Three Lions for the first time in his career.

The 39-year-old, who is currently the joint top-scorer at this summer's World Cup with eight goals, has ticked off almost every achievement imaginable since making his Argentina debut in 2005.

As well as playing a crucial role in ending the country's 28-year trophy drought by winning the Copa America, he led La Albiceleste to a famous World Cup win at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

In total, the prolific Messi has scored 125 goals in 200 games for his country but in that time, he has never faced England.

The most recent game between the two nations came in November 2005, when they went head-to-head in a friendly ahead of the 2006 World Cup.

On that occasion, Sven-Goran Eriksson's England came from behind as goals from Michael Owen (2) and Wayne Rooney sealed a 3-2 win in Switzerland's Stade de Geneve.

At this point, Messi had already featured for Argentina but after being sent off just 30 seconds into his international debut, he missed the game against England because of suspension.

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates ahead of their clash against Switzerland. Image credit: Getty

Two decades on and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will finally get his chance to face the Three Lions, when Argentina come up against Thomas Tuchel's men at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday (June 15).

Lionel Messi sends warning to England ahead of World Cup semi-final

Speaking after they booked their place in the semi-final with a 3-1 win over Switzerland, Messi made a rather big claim by describing their upcoming opponents as a "powerhouse".

"Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive," he told ESPN Argentina.

"But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent. Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.

"Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.

“And we'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."

A short time later, Messi took to Instagram with a warning. After they showed grit and determination to overcome another team in the latter stages, he said Argentina will "never stop believing" on the pitch.

He wrote, as per The Express: “Again we suffered but this team never stops believing. We're in the top four in the world again!!! Let's f*****g go.”