LIONEL MESSI could face England in his 1,000th career match at the World Cup in Qatar.
The attacking superstar will be part of the Argentina squad for the World Cup finals and could reach the milestone should his side make it to the quarter-finals.
Argentina will face Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in their group, which they are favourites to finish top.
However, if England finishes second in their group alongside the likes of USA, Iran and Wales, then there could be a potential meeting between the two sides.
Argentina would have to win their group and beat the second-placed side from Group D, which will be one of Denmark, France, Australia and Tunisia.
While England would have to beat the top-placed side from Group A, which will be between the Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador or host nation Qatar.
The PSG star has won almost everything in his glittering career, but the World Cup is one trophy that has so far eluded him.
After finally winning his first international honour with Argentina at the Copa America in 2021, there is new hope that he can win the biggest prize in football.
At 35 years old, it could be Messi’s last chance to win the competition, however, his international manager Luca Scaloni hopes it will not be the case.
He told beIN Sports: “I hope this won’t be Messi’s last World Cup.
“He is happy on the pitch and makes a lot of people happy, not just Argentines.
“And if we take care of him, maybe there could be more games for him because the football world demands it.
“It may be his last World Cup, but I hope not. He’s happy on the pitch and makes a lot of people happy.
“If we take care of him and wear him the way we should, there’s the possibility of more games because the world of football demands it.”
