In a thrilling encounter that will be etched into football lore, Lionel Messi declared Argentina’s victory over England a "special" triumph, propelling his nation into the World Cup final. The veteran forward was the undeniable architect of a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win, staged in Atlanta.
England initially seized the advantage through Anthony Gordon. However, the 39-year-old Messi proved pivotal in Argentina's resurgence, first delivering the pass for Enzo Fernandez to unleash an 85th-minute equaliser. Not content with that, he then supplied the decisive cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner, sparking jubilant scenes.
Reflecting on the semi-final, Messi underscored its significance, stating it was "quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context." This highly anticipated fixture unfolded against the backdrop of a long-standing sovereignty dispute concerning the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, recalling Argentina's 1982 invasion and Britain's subsequent regaining of control.
The Argentine captain also lauded his teammates for their unwavering "never-say-die attitude," highlighting another demonstration of their collective grit during the 2026 tournament. Their tenacity was previously showcased in the last-16 match against Egypt, where they remarkably overturned a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory.
"What the group has been doing is incredible, and this, of course, is again something that shows our character, our grit, our collective, the way that we play together," Messi affirmed. "It was really, truly amazing."
Looking ahead, the forward expressed anticipation for Sunday's final against Spain, set to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The clash holds an added layer of personal significance for Messi, as he prepares to face the country where he spent the majority of his illustrious career with Barcelona.
Spain, who secured their final spot by defeating France 2-0, are a formidable opponent in Messi's eyes. He described them as "a fantastic side, wonderful players," adding, "They play very, very well. I know them quite well. Their whole idea and philosophy has been very well (developed) throughout this time, and I know the players as well."