Messi, Bellingham and history collide in Argentina-England semi-final

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 13 : A World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England scarcely needs extra storylines, but Wednesday's clash in Atlanta arrives carrying decades of soccer drama, political baggage and two teams who have made a habit of surviving on the edge.

From England's victory at the 1966 World Cup to the shadow cast by the 1982 Falklands War, from Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1986 to major duels in 1998 and 2002, meetings between the countries have long felt larger than soccer.

Yet Argentina's players and coach Lionel Scaloni have sought to strip away the emotion surrounding the rivalry, insisting the semi-final should be treated as another step toward the biggest prize in the sport.

"We have to experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and try to arrive in the best possible condition to compete again," Lionel Messi said.

The reigning champions have reached the last four struggling far more than expected. They beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down with 11 minutes remaining to defeat Egypt 3-2, and then overcame Switzerland 3-1 in extra time.

The 39-year-old Messi acknowledged the physical toll of the tournament after a succession of draining knockout victories.

England's route has been no less taxing.

Thomas Tuchel's side survived with 10 men to beat Mexico in brutal conditions in Mexico City in the round of 16 before edging Norway 2-1 after extra time in a hot and humid Miami on Saturday.

If Argentina have repeatedly found a way through adversity, England have done the same through resilience, grit and the emergence of Jude Bellingham as the face of their campaign.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder scored