They have not met in more than 20 years. And yet absence has definitely not made the heart grow fonder in one of football’s most bitter rivalries.England’s grudge match with Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday will be the latest chapter of a story which goes way beyond the pitch. Incredibly, it will also be the first time Lionel Messi has ever played against England which is an odd quirk which barely seems possible.Messi is set to face England on the biggest stage, the World Cup semi final, as the holders go toe-to-toe with Thomas Tuchel’s men.This will be England’s second semi final in the last three World Cups and yet before then, they had not reached the last four since 1990. This will be Argentina’s seventh World Cup semi final - and they have got through in all six previous occasions. They are serial winners.‌But England-Argentina is a special fixture. There is so much passion and emotion running through it because of history, political tensions and, of course, Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal.Back in 1986, Maradona used the Falklands War as his desire and determination to get some sort of revenge over England. The feelings spilt over into the Azteca Stadium as Maradona saw it as some sort of excuse for his infamous handball.Times have moved on a lot since. But the football rivalry hasn’t. There will be a spice between the fans which will only add to the occasion.And there is spice between the players as well. Argentina toasted their quarter final victory with a dressing room chant referencing Malvinas - the Argentinian term for the Falklands.‌"For the Malvinas, for Diego, For Leo’s last one, Argentina, I want to see you become back-to-back champions. I’m a supporter of the national team, I cheer them on with all my heart. We won the third one with Lionel, now we want to be champions again."England last played Argentina in a friendly in Geneva in November 2005 when England won 3-2 thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen (two).The previous meeting to that was at the 2002 World Cup when David Beckham ’s penalty won the game in Sapporo.‌But that was mild by comparison. In 1998, England crashed out on penalties to Argentina after David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone.England beat Argentina on the way to winning the 1966 World Cup. It is 14 meetings, England have won six, there have been five draws and Argentina have won just twice. Mind you, after it finished 2-2 in the 1998 World Cup, Argentina won on penalties.That is incredible considering Argentina’s football history. They have won the World Cup three times - 1978, 1986 and 2022 - which says so much about their mentality.‌They are winners, they have a fearsome underdog streak and that is in the blood, their DNA and their football. This will be a game with so much passion, history and fire.This is the ultimate test for England against the reigning world champions. They were supposedly not a classic Argentina team. And yet they still won it. They just find a way.They love to put one over the English. There is such a strong connection between great Argentinian players and English football. From the days of Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa all the way through to Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and the loveable Mauricio Pochettino.But when it comes to football, old rivalries die hard. Argentina fans are as passionate as they come. They have been in Kansas City in their tens of thousands for their quarter final with Switzerland.‌Their team base is also there, thousands of Argentinians are decamping off to Atlanta and they love to wind up English supporters.The last time I went to Argentina, I was told not to speak English outside the Boca Juniors ground when I went to a game. It runs deep.This is not just football. It never has been for Argentina. It is a way of life. They believe they will win the World Cup. They have definitely not been at their best. They struggled past Switzerland’s ten men and had to stage a sensational comeback against Egypt.‌But when it comes to England. Something always stirs. They will be ready and waiting.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consent