Football’s greatest feud: Chapter VI

Let's put both the Falklands and the Malvines aside just for a moment. As much as the 1982 conflict still fuels this rivalry - and especially the Argentinians - another story about a war fought 44 years ago would just unnecessarily shift the focus away from football.

Decades ago, the wounds were still fresh and the thirst for revenge - the one played out on the football pitch, which may hurt the most - was stronger than ever. The days of violent clashes between hooligans all over the streets of Mexico City are (hopefully) behind us.

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So, let's just focus on the one thing that both unites and divides Argentina and England - football.

It's well known that the English brought football to this South American country. Without them, Argentina might never have embraced this beautiful game - or they would, but much later. However, without La Albiceleste, England would never have realized how elegant and artistic football could be.

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Either way, the two countries' footballing histories are deeply intertwined, and neither would have become what it is today without the other. Their shared history has brought us to another incredible showdown tonight featuring Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and other superstars.

Tonight's clash in Atlanta (22.00) will be the sixth between Argentina and England at World Cups. The previous five chapters were packed with controversy, unforgettable moments, twists and turns, and drama.

So, let's revisit them.

Chapter I, Chile 1962: Origins of the rivalry

Sixty-four years ago, Argentina's football reputation was nowhere near the one they have today. Even though La Albiceleste were determined to prove that the "pupils outdid the masters", England easily brushed them aside 3-1 and knocked them out of the tournament.

Captains of Argentina and England, Ruben Navarro and Johnny Haynes, shake hands ahead of the 1962 World Cup game (©Keystone/Getty Images)

It was the only "peaceful" World Cup match between these two teams, as just four years later, the bad blood began.

Chapter II, England 1966: "El robo del siglo"

The tournament held in England was marred by controversy. The hosts went on to win their only World Cup title, and while most people remember the final against West Germany and Geoff Hurst's extra-time "ghost goal", the Argentinians remember the quarter-final clash against the Three Lions.

The story of Antonio Rattin and his impact on football has recently been covered on Mozzart Sport Kenya, but La Albiceleste's captain's dismissal wasn't the only moment that raised eyebrows, as the South Americans claimed Hurst's late winner was scored from an offside position.

Consequently, the Argentinians named the match "El robo del siglo" ("The theft of the century"), and had to wait for two decades to settle the score, exacting an even fiercer - and if you ask them, sweeter - revenge.

Maradona's (in)famous "Hand of God" (©Allsport/Getty Images)

Chapter III, Mexico 1986: Maradona's playground

Definitely the most iconic match between Argentina and England - and arguably the most talked-about game in World Cup history - took place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in the quarter-finals.

Just four years after the infamous war, Diego Armando Maradona settled all the old scores with the Englishmen, scoring two of the most celebrated goals in football - "The Hand of God" and "The Goal of the Century".

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Unlike 20 years ago, this time the Three Lions felt robbed, while El Pibe led his team to the World Cup crown.

Chapter IV, France 1998: Beckham's meltdown and England's penalty roulette agony

In the Round of 16 of the 1998 World Cup, Argentina and England met in Saint-Etienne. Their wounds had started healing, but the rivalry was as fierce as it gets.

Despite the exceptional first half that produced four goals (2-2), David Beckham's red card remained the most memorable moment of that match. The Three Lions' legendary midfielder lost his head in the 47th minute, swung his leg at Diego Simeone, who had previously fouled him, and kicked the Argentine, earning an immediate dismissal.

Without him, England held firm until the penalty shoot-out, where Paul Ince and David Batty's misses sealed their fate and sent La Albiceleste to the quarter-finals.

Chapter V, Japan and South Korea 2002: Beckham's redemption arc

Four years after being sent off and becoming the main culprit for his team's defeat, Beckham transformed into the Three Lions' hero, scoring the winner against Argentina in the group stage.

The then-Manchester United star sent home a 44th-minute penalty to seal England's 1-0 victory and eventually send the South Americans crashing out of the tournament.

Chapter VI, USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026: Messi vs Jude and Kane

Thanks to their extra-time wins over Switzerland and Norway, Argentina and England set up Chapter 6 of their larger-than-life rivalry, this time, with the highest stakes yet, as the World Cup final is on the line.

At first glance, the Three Lions have the edge due to their star-studded squad, led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham - scorers of 12 of England's 13 goals.

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However, even if the Argentinian team is "only Lionel Messi" - who would dare bet on stopping the unstoppable Leo?

So far, the World Cup has been Messi's playground, as he has found the net in every game and, above all, made all of his teammates better.

Either way, the key seems to be in the Englishmen's hands - contain Messi, and you've fulfilled the most vital task. If only it were that easy...

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Semi-finals

Tuesday

France - Spain 0-2 (0-1)

/Oyarzabal 22 pen, Porro 58/

Wednesday

22.00: (2.55) England (3.10) Argentina (3.15)

***odds are subject to change***