England left-back Nico O'Reilly is relishing the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to face Lionel Messi in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel's secured a place in the final four with a draining 2-1 win against Norway in the Miami heat on Saturday, and now face a match in Atlanta against the defending world champions, who saw off Switzerland 3-1.
It will be the first time Messi has faced England, and at 39, it could be the last. Manchester City defender O'Reilly has never faced him at club level either.
"I can't wait," O'Reilly, who will probably have to defend against Messi one-on-one if he starts at left-back, told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He's coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he's the best player to ever touch a football pitch. And yeah, I can't wait for the challenge."
Thomas Tuchel's secured a place in the final four with a draining 2-1 win against Norway in the Miami heat on Saturday, and now face a match in Atlanta against the defending world champions, who saw off Switzerland 3-1.
It will be the first time Messi has faced England, and at 39, it could be the last. Manchester City defender O'Reilly has never faced him at club level either.
"I can't wait," O'Reilly, who will probably have to defend against Messi one-on-one if he starts at left-back, told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He's coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he's the best player to ever touch a football pitch. And yeah, I can't wait for the challenge."
4 months ago
