Beating England Meant More Than Reaching Another World Cup Final — Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has admitted that his side’s dramatic World Cup semi-final victory over England carried a special significance for both the players and their supporters, describing it as the result the fans wanted “more than any other”.

The defending champions booked their place in Sunday’s final against Spain after staging a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Trailing after Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener, Argentina turned the match on its head in the closing stages. Messi created both goals, first setting up Enzo Fernández for a superb equaliser before providing the cross that Lautaro Martínez headed home deep into stoppage time to seal victory.

Reflecting on the dramatic triumph, Messi said the emotional weight of defeating England made the occasion even more memorable.

“Although it was just one match, we experienced some special moments,” Messi said.

“The fans wanted this victory more than any other because of what it means to face England in a semi-final and reach another World Cup final.”

Matches between Argentina and England have long carried added significance, fuelled by memorable World Cup encounters—including Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal in 1986 and David Beckham’s sending-off at the 1998 finals—as well as the wider historical backdrop of the Falklands conflict.

Despite falling behind early in the second half, Messi said his side never lost belief.

“This team never stops trying,” he said.

“We went out there playing football with determination. We pushed them back into their own half and showed we could win in normal time without needing extra time.

“No Argentine wanted to lose this match. The way this World Cup has unfolded has been incredible, especially considering the importance of this semi-final against England.”

Substitute Martínez, who came on in the 81st minute before scoring the decisive winner in added time, struggled to contain his emotions after sending Argentina into a second successive World Cup final.

“It’s very difficult to speak right now,” the Inter Milan striker said.

“I’ll try not to cry because I’ve already cried a lot in the dressing room. It’s incredible what we’ve achieved.

“It was a very difficult match. England pressed us very well in the first half. After they scored, they dropped deeper and we controlled possession better. Once we equalised, everything changed and the support from our fans gave us even more belief.”

Attention now turns to Sunday’s final against Spain, who have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.

“They’re a fantastic team with outstanding players,” Martínez said.

“Now we have to recover, prepare properly and enjoy this moment because reaching another World Cup final as defending champions is an incredible achievement.”