Nico Aureli, the full-back for Manchester City and the England national team, expressed his strong enthusiasm for facing Lionel Messi in the World Cup semi-final, describing the encounter as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," and also considered the Argentine star the best player to ever set foot on a football pitch.

Lionel Messi celebrated his 39th birthday on June 24, meaning that many of the young talents currently shining grew up watching the Argentine legend make history.

Among them is Nico Aureli, the 21-year-old full-back who plays for Manchester City and the England national team, and he eagerly awaits facing Messi in the World Cup semi-final with great excitement.

Aureli said in remarks to the BBC before the match: "I can't wait for the match."

He is expected to take on the task of marking Messi during the match scheduled for the day after tomorrow, Wednesday, in Atlanta.

He added: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He is approaching the end of his career. For me personally, he is the best player to ever step foot on a football pitch. Yes, I am very excited to take on this challenge."

Aureli is considered one of the most notable recent discoveries of coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The defender has a great ability to play in multiple positions, and he played 53 matches this season, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists, confirming his status as one of the present and future pillars at the Etihad Stadium.