Argentina have reportedly submitted a special request to FIFA ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash with England on Wednesday after Lionel Messi spoke out about the rivalry
Argentina have reportedly lodged a request with FIFA regarding the kit they will wear during their World Cup semi-final clash with England. The Three Lions secured their spot in the tournament's last four following a win over Norway in the quarter-finals at the weekend.
England are set to face Argentina for a place in the World Cup final , with their rivals boasting an in-form Lionel Messi in their ranks, who is currently tied in the Golden Boot race with eight goals alongside France's Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina clinched a 3-1 victory over Switzerland to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals and have now seemingly submitted a request to FIFA concerning their match against England . Journalist Gaston Edul has reported that Argentina have asked FIFA if they can sport their all-blue kit instead of their blue and white strip.
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Argentina have worn their traditional blue and white striped kit in all but one of their six World Cup matches thus far, with the sole exception being their group stage triumph over Jordan on 28 June.
On that occasion, Lionel Scaloni's squad wore the blue kit that Argentina are said to have requested from FIFA for their encounter with England.
Messi has been instrumental in propelling Argentina to the World Cup semi-finals as they aim to defend the title they clinched in the previous edition of the tournament held in Qatar in 2022.
The Inter Miami ace, following Argentina's victory over Switzerland, pondered the chance to square off against England in the semi-final for the first time in his career.
Messi also touched on the historical rivalry between the two nations, notably the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
"Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive," Messi revealed in a chat with ESPN Argentina. "But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.
"Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.
"Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.
"And we'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."