Messi Dedicates Argentina’s World Cup Semi-Final Win Over England to Maradona

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has dedicated his side’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England to the late Diego Maradona, describing the triumph as “a gift” for the legendary football icon.

Messi inspired the defending champions to another memorable comeback on Wednesday, providing assists for both goals as Argentina overturned a second-half deficit to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The victory sets up a title showdown against European champions Spain on Sunday, with Argentina now one win away from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.

Speaking after the match, the 39-year-old paid an emotional tribute to Maradona, whose legacy remains deeply intertwined with Argentina’s football history.

“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.

“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.”

The comments carried added emotional weight because Argentina’s rivalry with England is forever linked to Maradona’s iconic performance at the 1986 World Cup, where he scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the celebrated “Goal of the Century” in the quarter-final.

Messi said Wednesday’s victory represented much more than qualification for 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.”

The Argentine captain revealed that celebrations had already begun across his homeland following the dramatic victory.

“I’m very proud and happy to be able to give the Argentine people this special joy. Nobody wanted to lose today,” Messi added.

Argentina will now attempt to retain their World Cup crown when they face Spain in Sunday’s final, with Messi aiming to cap another remarkable tournament by lifting football’s biggest prize for a second consecutive time.