Atlanta, 16 July (H.S.): Argentina captain Lionel Messi said his side's dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal was especially meaningful for both the team and its supporters. Messi produced two decisive assists in the closing stages to inspire Argentina's comeback and secure a place in the World Cup final for the second consecutive tournament.

Speaking after the match, Messi said, Although it was just one match, we experienced something truly special. Our supporters wanted this victory more than any other because facing England in a World Cup semifinal and reaching another World Cup final carries a unique significance.

England had taken the lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon, but Messi turned the match around by first setting up Enzo Fernández for the equaliser before delivering a pinpoint cross in injury time for Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winning goal.

Messi also praised his team's resilience and fighting spirit.

This team never stops believing. We came onto the pitch determined to play our football and gave everything we had. We kept England pinned back in their own half and showed that we could win the match without needing a penalty shootout, he said.

He added, No Argentine wanted to lose this match. Our entire World Cup journey has been extraordinary, especially because this semifinal against England carried its own special significance. Regardless of any other context, nobody wanted to lose today, and in the end, we earned the victory.

Martínez Says It Was Hard to Hold Back the Tears

Lautaro Martínez, who came on in the 81st minute and scored the dramatic winner in injury time to send Argentina into the final, admitted he was overwhelmed with emotion after the match.

It is very difficult to speak right now. I'm trying not to cry because I have already cried a lot in the dressing room. What we have achieved is incredible. We kept moving forward together, and that is our greatest satisfaction, Martínez said.

He continued, This was far from an easy victory. The first half was extremely difficult for us because England pressed very well. They scored early in the second half and then dropped deeper. After that, we remained patient, took control of possession and gradually imposed ourselves on the game.

Martínez added, Once we scored the equaliser and felt the support of our fans, everything became easier. Then came the winning goal in injury time, and after that it was nothing but pure joy.

Focus Shifts to Final Against Spain

Argentina will now take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19. Martínez said the entire squad is now fully focused on the title clash.

Spain have an outstanding team with exceptional players. We need to recover, regain our energy and prepare for the final with complete focus. At the same time, we must enjoy this achievement because reaching a second consecutive World Cup final while spending three and a half years as the reigning world champions is something truly remarkable. We will cherish this moment before turning our full attention to the final, he said.

Following the match, several Argentina players also displayed a banner reading Las Malvinas Son Argentinas (The Falkland Islands are Argentine), adding further emotion and symbolism to the historic occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar