Who is referee for England v Argentina? Lionel Messi’s good luck charm appointed for blockbuster semi-final

US referee Ismail Elfath will oversee England vs Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday night as one of football’s biggest rivalries ignites once more.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side take on Lionel Scaloni’s men – live on talkSPORT – with a place in the World Cup final up for grabs.

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A match between the two nations transcends football, combining geopolitics and history to create a famously bitter rivalry.

Their meetings produce iconic moments etched deep into fans’ memories, such as the ‘Hand of God’ which was swiftly followed by Diego Maradona‘s ‘Goal of the Century’.

The heavyweight clash has not been contested at a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup, when David Beckham completed his redemption arc by scoring the winner, four years after his infamous red card.

During the 24 years since their last competitive meeting at the World Cup, Argentina icon Lionel Messi has emerged, yet the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer has never faced the Three Lions in his career.

Who is Ismail Elfath?

Ismail Elfath has been appointed to officiate Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The American referee was originally born in Morocco and moved to the United States at 18 years old.

He won a diversity visa lottery, and eventually graduated from the University of Texas in 2006 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

After his mother died at a young age, Elfath wanted to move stateside for a better future and arrived with only $200 to his name.

He made his refereeing debut in Major League Soccer in 2012 before becoming a FIFA-accredited official in 2016.

The 44-year-old was called up for the tournament in Qatar four years ago, which included taking charge of the round of 16 clash between Japan and Croatia.

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During the current competition, the referee has already overseen three matches, making Wednesday’s game his fourth.

He was previously involved in officiating Norway‘s win over Brazil in the round of 16, as well as sending off Uruguay’s Agustin Cannobio against Spain.

The player was fortunate not to be punished sooner, with the American choosing to keep the game flowing initially, much to Spain’s anger.

Eventually, Elfath was forced to issue a red card to the Fluminense winger after his dangerous challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

Who else will referee England vs Argentina?

Parker boasts plenty of experience, having been picked to officiate at the World Cup in the Middle East in 2022.

Atkins has been integral for FIFA and carried out officiating responsibilities for ten games in Qatar, including the final which Argentina went on to win.

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The Italian officiates in Serie A, having been an internationally graded referee since 2019 and a member of UEFA‘s elite category since 2024.

The 44-year-old took charge of the Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano earlier this year.

Messi’s good luck charm

Since moving to Inter Miami in 2023, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has played four matches under Elfath and emerged victorious every single time.

The legendary forward has scored five times in games officiated by the Moroccan-born referee.

Additionally, as a positive omen for Argentina, Elfath was the fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final they famously won.

Throughout the current MLS season, the American official has produced 41 yellow cards, three reds, and awarded three penalties in just ten league matches.

That strict theme has continued internationally, where he has issued eight yellow cards and one red card in only three fixtures.

Many fans have voiced concerns that FIFA is being unduly lenient to Argentina as they look to defend their title. Egypt were among the chief complainants after their defeat against the South Americans

Addressing the claims, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina said: “Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport.

“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.

“Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President [Gianni Infantino].

“He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.”