After a recent late showing in Atlanta, Georgia, Lionel Messi provided two assists as Argentina dominated England and booked their place in the World Cup finals for the second consecutive year
Lionel Messi was at the center of Argentina World Cup history
Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martinez and Leandro Paredes all admitted they used history and political tensions to find the next gear to beat England.
The World Cup holders posed with a flag reading “The Falklands is Argentina” after coming from behind to defeat the Three Lions and advance to Sunday’s final against Spain.
After giving two assists to Enzo Fernandes and substitute Lautaro Martínez, Messi revealed that he used the raw emotions of the fans from the past to push the Albiceleste to the limit: “As we said, everything we went through from the beginning was unbelievable.
“Even though it was a football game, we felt a special emotion when we started on the field and when we sang the national anthem, and the group felt it, too.
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ATLANTA, GA – JULY 15: Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates as he is carried on the shoulders of his teammates after defeating England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images).
It wasn’t just a victory. This was an important victory that the Argentine people wanted, and we wanted it too, and it took us to the World Cup finals again. ”
Manchester United defender Martinez echoed similar sentiments, explaining: “I won’t lie, we are all Argentinians and we experienced it just like the fans. We knew the magnitude of this game and we gave it our all from the first moment.”
“We had to suffer because they were a very tough opponent, but in the end we always take control, play without fear and want to win.”
Lionel Messi says Argentina felt special emotion and passion from supporters due to political tensions and history with England
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paredes appeared to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Falklands War, saying: “Because of those sad moments that our people went through, we recognize what England means to this country, to us and to our history. And I’m sure they’re very happy today.”
England took the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Anthony Gordon, but then dropped deep to try to protect their 1–0 lead. Unfortunately for manager Thomas Tuchel, the defensive changes did not pay off and it was only when Messi first teed up Fernandes for a stunner before crossing with Inter Milan frontman Martinez that Messi was able to show his magic.
He continued, basking in Argentina’s glory: “This group doesn’t surprise me. I know it and we know what we are capable of.
“People were wondering how we got there because we had players who were at their limits and had problems. But when this group comes together and sticks together, you always get that extra push and you can push each other on and bring out parts of us that we didn’t have to give our full strength to.”
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