The beginning was a prelude to an even bigger hope.

The intensity with a shaky foundation on the back of an outstanding group stage saw the defending champions limping with hope and a zeal to uphold their legacy and shield their title one more time in the semi-finals as they gear up to face a formidable English side, led by Harry Kane, who, once again, for their performance so far, would love to believe that “It is finally coming home!”

But will it be that easy for the Three Lions?

“We are going to give everything to make sure Messi wins the World Cup again.”

These were the exact words after a clutch quarter-final performance from the Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

But, since then on many accounts, the “GOAT” debate winner is still strolling around on the field like it is a Sunday evening in Miami, Lionel Messi will try his best to make sure he surpasses the great Diego Maradona with two World Cup trophies.

Messi will come into talks for whatever he has done in this extraordinary career of his, even long after he bids adieu to the highest stage for good.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Argentina is not solely Leo.

Other 25 sailors are also rowing in full force and need to be credited for the team performance.

The Scaloni blessing can be held accountable for a couple of calls that surely raised eyebrows.

The tactics used so far, surrounding the group of players that are getting larger game times, could well get trumped again, as Argentina is getting past that line of glory with an ignited intensity.

However, the Albiceleste fans could still keep their hopes on Lionel Scaloni as he dug deep under the ground and scavenged the ultimate triumph the men in Sky Blue were looking for the past 36 years, post the sublime Maradona saga.

England, on the other hand, have the edge over Argentina in FIFA World Cups.

On the face of three defeats in 1962, 1966 and 2002, Argentina went on to win two, one of which was a rather significant one.

One can very easily ask whether that one win, which was in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup, can outclass the three “insignificant’ defeats or not, as it saw Argentina eventually lift the ultimate glory.

That battle had one Argentine great on the park of thorns.

Tonight’s clash will have another.

Leo will be facing England for the first time in a World Cup, 40 years from the famous win in Estadio Azteca, which is also a part of this year’s World Cup venue list.

That World Cup eventually saw the great Maradona getting his team past the line.

Can Messi rewrite the story of the same old fable?

Every story has an ending.

With Messi’s enchanting career almost at dawn, as one would assume, it is equally important for Argentina to look past him if they want to build a strong core around players who can provide their services as long as Leo.

The tired legs of arguably one of the greatest ballers will definitely want to put a defiant touch on the feathers of his monumental legacy by winning two World Cups in a row.

But having an English pillar in front to get past would not be a slam dunk for sure.

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