Thomas Tuchel Reveals England's Masterplan To Stop Lionel Messi In FIFA WC Semis

Published 15 July 2026 · sports

Thomas Tuchel Reveals England's Masterplan To Stop Lionel Messi In FIFA WC Semis Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 20:37 IST Lionel Messi has

Thomas Tuchel Reveals England's Masterplan To Stop Lionel Messi In FIFA WC Semis Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 20:37 IST Lionel Messi has been involved in 10 of Argentina's 17 World Cup goals. Now Thomas Tuchel admits England may need an "old-school" man-marking plan to stop him. Rapid Read Tuchel thinks there's one way to stop Messi (Credit: AP) Lionel Messi has carried Argentina to within one win of another FIFA World Cup final — and Thomas Tuchel knows England’s biggest challenge is finding a way to stop him. The 39-year-old has been directly involved in 10 of Argentina’s 17 goals at the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight times and providing two assists to sit level with Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Golden Boot standings. Time and again, Messi has rescued the reigning champions. None more so than in the dramatic Round of 16 comeback against Egypt, where he produced a goal and an assist to drag Argentina from the brink of elimination. His influence, however, extends far beyond the numbers. Messi continues to dictate games with his movement, vision and ability to create space for teammates, even as his workload has reduced.

England boss Thomas Tuchel admits there is no foolproof solution. How Thomas Tuchel and England are planning on stopping Lionel Messi… ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/iaF3mSpYUe— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 15, 2026 “We are totally aware that we cannot stop him all the time and for 100 per cent," Tuchel said. “He’s a very different player from Erling Haaland, but we did very, very well in our way… so we will find a way now." The German believes Argentina’s biggest strength isn’t just Messi, but the way the entire team is built around him. “He finds spaces, he finds moments and I think the big thing is the whole team buys into that idea," Tuchel explained. “They buy into the idea to support him, to help him, and they are just ready when he bursts into action to make the difference. We will prepare for that, of course." Tuchel even revealed England have discussed deploying an old-fashioned man-marking strategy. “I’ve given it a lot of thought. We are considering the old-school mark on Messi," he said. “I’m not sure if we’ll actually execute this idea, but the thought did cross my mind." The England manager described Messi as a player with “superhuman abilities", warning that even if his preferred passing lanes are blocked, he will simply invent new ones.

“Everyone knows the spaces where Messi wants to appear," Tuchel said. “But if we block those patterns, Argentina or Messi will find or create new ones." For England, the equation is simple. Stop Messi, and a place in the World Cup final beckons. Fail, and Argentina’s greatest ever player could be one step closer to defending the trophy he lifted four years ago. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will England's man-marking strategy actually stop Messi? England coach Thomas Tuchel stated that his team is aware they cannot stop Lionel Messi 100% of the time. England has discussed employing an "old-school" man-marking strategy. What other tactics could Tuchel use against Argentina? England coach Thomas Tuchel stated that while they cannot stop Lionel Messi 100% of the time, they will find a way. He acknowledged Messi is different from Erling Haaland, but believes England performed well against Haaland and will adapt. Could Messi lead Argentina to another World Cup title? Lionel Messi, at 39, is a key player for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having been directly involved in 10 of their 17 goals, scoring eight and providing two assists.