England star Jude Bellingham praised Lionel Messi's football legacy, affirming that the Argentina captain still retains his status as the best player in the world, ahead of the anticipated clash in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.

These statements come amidst an atmosphere of football anticipation for the semi-final showdown between two historic teams in the World Cup's history.

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England and Argentina are set for a much-anticipated meeting on Wednesday evening at the Atlanta Stadium, in a match where both sides seek to secure a spot in the final, awaiting the winner of the France vs Spain encounter. Attention is on the individual duel between Bellingham and Messi, given the remarkable levels both have shown during the tournament. Messi tops the World Cup scorers list with 8 goals, level with Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, who leads on assists, while Bellingham is fourth with 6 goals and one assist, tied with England captain Harry Kane, behind Norwegian Erling Haaland who left the tournament in the quarter-finals after scoring 7 goals. In media statements, the Real Madrid player was asked about the secret behind his impressive performance in the 2026 World Cup, his ability to combine scoring, assisting, and dictating play, especially compared to his performances over the past two seasons with his club. Bellingham replied: 'Watching Messi is the reason I reached this level. It's amazing that he is still the best player in the world despite being 39 years old. Playing against him in the semi-final will be a dream come true for me.' Messi continues to write a new chapter in his extraordinary career, having led Argentina to the World Cup semi-final for the second consecutive time and the third in the last four editions, affirming his ability to make a difference despite his age. Bellingham's comments reflect the impact the Argentine star has had on the current generation of players, as several players, including Spain's Lamine Yamal, have previously spoken about Messi as their greatest inspiration in their football careers.

The two teams meet in the semi-final, with each seeking to win the title. Bellingham, who has shone in the tournament, sees facing Messi as an opportunity to fulfill a dream. All eyes will be on the clash between the new generation and the Argentine legend who continues to make history despite his advancing age.