Lionel Messi was once again decisive for Argentina to advance to the final of the 2026 World Cup. The Albiceleste captain highlighted the character of his team after coming back 2-1 against England and assured that the group once again demonstrated that successes are the product of effort.

The Argentine team came from behind after England took the lead in the 55th minute. When it seemed that the situation was getting complicated, Enzo Fernández equalized the score at 85 and Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory in added time (90 2), with two assists from Lionel Messi.

Messi highlights the strength of Argentina

At the end of the match played at the Atlanta stadium, Lionel Messi assured that the team once again responded in a moment of maximum demand and remembered the path traveled since they won the World Cup four years ago.

"Four years ago we achieved what we wanted, to play the last game and be the best for four years. Once again we have shown that no one gives us anything and we once again placed ourselves among the two best in the world."

The captain also expressed his happiness at once again bringing joy to the Argentine fans.

“I am once again very proud to be able to bring joy to all the Argentine people,” said the forward, who added that “it was just a soccer match.” “We wanted to get the victory and get into the final of a World Cup.”

The captain highlights the unity of the group

For Lionel Messi, the ability to react was another example of the commitment that characterizes the Argentine team.

"Happy to have done it again and the way we did it, when we had everything against us. With head, with football, with desire. This group shows once again what it is capable of doing," he added.

The attacker also asked to evaluate the process that the team has gone through in recent years.

"Now, we have to enjoy the moment with our teammates. This group does not owe anything to anyone. It has been shown that we always give our best and give a lot of joy to all Argentines during all these years. Playing in a World Cup final again, with what that means for Argentines... Whatever happens, we must value this process and as always it will be what God wants, nothing more," he remarked.

Messi recognizes the meaning of the victory over England

In addition to celebrating the passage to the final of the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi recognized that facing England always has a special meaning for Argentina.

"Impressive, today was an incredible day. Although, as we said before the match, it was a football match, it never ceases to be special to play it against England, with what that means and even more so a world semi-final," he said in statements to FIFA after being chosen as the best player of the match.

“We wanted to give this joy to the people and get into the world final,” added the forward, who participated with the assists in both Argentine goals.

Messi praises Argentina's present

The captain once again highlighted the collective level that the team led by Argentina has shown during the tournament.

"Everything this group has been doing is incredible, and today (it is) another example of character, of love, of unity, of strength, of football; because we went to look for it with play as well and with patience," he stressed.

Spain, the last rival on the way to the title

Now, Argentina will seek to defend the 2026 World Cup crown against Spain, a rival that Lionel Messi knows perfectly after much of his career in Spanish soccer.

"It is a huge team with great players, with game, a team that I know well. It is a football philosophy, it has been playing this way for many years and I know the players," he expressed.

The forward anticipated a very balanced and special duel. The final will also represent Lionel Messi's third participation in a World Cup final, after playing in the 2014 and 2022 editions.