Lionel Messi celebrates after winning 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 ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)
Lionel Messi described Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England as “special” after the reigning champions booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
England looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead, but Argentina rallied late in the game. Messi played a decisive role, setting up Enzo Fernandez for the 85th-minute equaliser before delivering the cross that Lautaro Martinez headed home for the winner in Atlanta.
Reflecting on the triumph, the 39-year-old captain said the result carried extra significance because of the long-standing historical rivalry between the two nations.
“It was quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context,” Messi said.
The semi-final took place against the backdrop of the decades-long sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, which led to a brief war between Argentina and Britain in 1982.
Messi also praised his teammates for their resilience and fighting spirit, highlighting another remarkable comeback in Argentina’s World Cup campaign. In the round of 16, they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2.
“What the group has been doing is incredible. This again shows our character, our grit, our togetherness and the way we play as a team,” he said.
“It was really, truly amazing.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Messi expressed admiration for Spain, who secured their place in the title match with a 2-0 victory over France.
The Argentina captain, who spent much of his club career at Barcelona, described Spain as a “fantastic side” with outstanding players.
“They play very, very well. I know them quite well. Their philosophy has been developed over many years, and I know the players too,” Messi said.
