Lionel Messi has described Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the FIFA World Cup semi-final as “special” after inspiring the South American champions to a remarkable comeback and a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
England looked set for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon fired them ahead, but Argentina responded late in the game as Messi orchestrated both goals in Atlanta.
The 39-year-old captain set up Enzo Fernandez for an 85th-minute equaliser before delivering the cross that Lautaro Martinez headed home to complete the comeback and send Argentina into the final.
Speaking after the match, Messi said the victory carried extra significance because of the long-standing rivalry between the two nations.
“It was quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context,” he said.
The semi-final was played against the backdrop of the decades-old dispute over the Falkland Islands, which has shaped the sporting rivalry between Argentina and England since the 1982 conflict.
Messi also praised Argentina’s resilience, saying the team’s determination has been a defining feature of their World Cup campaign.
“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,” he said.
“It was really, truly amazing.”
Argentina’s fighting spirit has been evident throughout the tournament. In the round of 16, they recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 before producing another late turnaround against England.
The World Cup holders will now face Spain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after the European side defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
Messi, who spent most of his club career at Barcelona, said he expected another stern challenge against a team he knows well.
“They are a fantastic side, wonderful players. 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.”
Victory over Spain would hand Argentina another World Cup title and cap another memorable chapter in Messi’s illustrious international career.
