Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate defender #25 Facundo Medina his team’s second goal scored by Argentina’s forward #22 Lautaro Martinez (out of frame) during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between England and Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
By Adegboyega Adeleye
Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to the late Diego Maradona after inspiring Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England, saying the World Cup semi-final triumph was “a gift” for the football legend.
The 39-year-old captain, who created both of Argentina’s goals in Wednesday’s thrilling victory, reflected on Maradona’s enduring legacy after guiding the defending champions into a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.
“Diego was truly great. I never wanted to compare myself to him; as far as I’m concerned, he’s the greatest of them all,” Messi said after the match.
“Today, wherever he is, he’ll be happy, enjoying all of this, given how much the national team meant to him and the legacy he left behind. It’s a gift for him.”
Messi’s comments carry extra significance given Argentina’s historic rivalry with England, a fixture forever linked to Maradona’s unforgettable display at the 1986 World Cup, when he scored the famous “Hand of God” goal before producing the “Goal of the Century” in the quarter-final.
The Inter Miami forward admitted the semi-final meant far more than just a place in another World Cup final.
“Although it was just a match, we experienced something special. We could feel it right from the national anthem,” he 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 in a row.”
Messi said celebrations had already erupted across Argentina, adding that no one wanted to lose such a symbolic encounter.
“I’m very proud and happy to be able to give the Argentine people this special joy. Nobody wanted to lose today.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continued his remarkable World Cup campaign by setting up both goals as Argentina overturned Anthony Gordon’s opener, with Enzo Fernández equalising before Lautaro Martínez headed the winner deep into stoppage time.
The victory also added to Messi’s growing World Cup legacy. He is now the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer with 21 goals and its highest assist provider with 13.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final against Spain, Messi praised Luis de la Fuente’s side, describing them as one of the world’s best teams.
“It’s a tremendous team with some outstanding players, who play great football,” he said. “It’s a special match, a World Cup final. I imagine it’s going to be an even contest.”
