The only thing Messi is missing: winning a World Cup against England like Maradona did in 1986

Before the start of Messi's sixth World Cup, the consensus was that he had seen and done it all. After completing the tournament in Qatar four years ago, there were even fears that, at 39, he might not be able to add anything to his legacy. But Messi has spent his entire career defying conventional wisdom.

And now he's about to do something he's never done before. Despite 205 appearances for his country, Messi has never played against England. That will change in Atlanta.

“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special,” Messi said. “Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be special for that reason as well.”

The Hand of God and the goal of the century

The rivalry between England and Argentina in World Cups dates back to 1962, but the tension has its roots in their second encounter, when England coach Alf Ramsey called his opponents animals.

But the mere mention of England and Argentina in a football context immediately evokes images of their epic 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico, the most iconic and controversial clash in the tournament's history.

On June 22, 1986, Maradona scored two goals that perfectly illustrate why he remains the most polarizing player in history. In the 51st minute, he used his hand to chip the ball over goalkeeper Peter Shilton. "We all saw it," said John Barnes. "Everyone on the bench clearly saw that he had touched the ball with his hand. But I don't blame Maradona."

The goal of the century: Diego's personal adventure

Maradona's second goal against England remains the greatest individual effort in football history. The number 10 slotted the ball into the net after weaving past five players, including Shilton, with 11 touches in just 11 seconds.

"At first I accompanied Diego," Jorge Valdano revealed, "but then I realized I was just another spectator. It was his goal and had nothing to do with the team. It was Diego's personal adventure, absolutely spectacular."

Symbolic revenge for the Falklands

The match was played just four years after the Falklands War. Maradona insisted that the game was just football, but later confessed that beating England was "a beautiful feeling, a kind of symbolic revenge" for the loss of the Falklands.

"I told my comrades: those who steal from a thief are entitled to 100 years of pardon," he explained on his television program. "And the English had done many things to us."

Messi, the mission of one man

The match in Atlanta will not be as politically charged as the one in 1986, but the Argentine players danced in the Kansas City locker room after beating Switzerland and vowed to beat England "for the Falklands, for Diego and for Leo's last World Cup."

If the reigning champions have disappointed so far, Messi certainly hasn't. Eight goals and two assists in six games would be an incredible tally for any player, but it's absolutely extraordinary for a 39-year-old who can barely run.

We thought we'd seen everything Messi could do, but we were clearly wrong. It's not over. The story continues, and there's at least one more chapter to be written. For all his records and astonishing achievements, Messi has never quite matched the mythology surrounding Maradona. A World Cup victory against England would undoubtedly be something special. It's the only thing the GOAT is missing.

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