Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a win against England in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
Messi scored in the 85th minute in Atlanta after Anthony Gordon’s goal put the reigning champions down.
The tournament’s all-time top scorer missed this time. He set up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer and crossed for Lautaro Martinez to score the winner, resulting in a 2-1 triumph. These emotions are special. I think the team felt it, and this was a game the Argentine people and we wanted to win,” Messi, 39, said after his first match against England.
This match is still a special fixture.
He failed to duplicate Diego Maradona, who scored two memorable goals in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quarterfinal win over England.
However, he will accept the two assists and follow his illustrious predecessor by lifting the title four years ago in Qatar.
After Argentina maintained their unbelievable record of never losing a World Cup semi-final, Messi will play in a second consecutive final and a third overall.
The South Americans want to retain the World Cup for the first time since 1962. Messi, the solitary survivor from the 2014 loss to Germany, will become the second player after Cafu to feature in three finals. He stated playing in two finals is ridiculous.
Argentina, having defeated Egypt 3-2 in the last 16 in Atlanta, sensed an opportunity as England adopted a more defensive posture after taking the lead. Again, we completed the job despite difficult conditions. “We never gave up,” said Messi, who has played a record 33 World Cup games in six editions.
Despite limited influence on Wednesday, Messi led his team to victory. We handled him nicely for most of the game. The most dangerous players in the world can create opportunities in the final third, according to England captain Harry Kane. He did it again today. He’s one of the best players ever for a reason.”
Spanish reunion
Argentina’s championship defence against Spain on Sunday may prove that Messi is the greatest player.
Maradona won the World Cup once and played in two finals with Pele.
Messi is the all-time World Cup leading scorer with 21 goals, but Kylian Mbappe is one behind and plays England on Saturday in the third-place play-off.
After Argentina defeated France in the 2022 final, he could have quit international football.
Recent years have seen him leave European football and adapt to American conditions with Inter Miami, perhaps conserving himself for this World Cup.
Ronaldo’s presence in Portugal may have slowed progress, but Messi remains a significant player. “He leads and is crucial to any team,” stated England coach Thomas Tuchel.
He gets to face Spain in a competitive game for the first time, and the opposition makes it even more remarkable.
At 13, Messi moved to Barcelona with his family and stayed for 20 years before joining PSG in 2021.
He may move back to Castelldefels, along the coast from Barcelona, with his Spanish passport.
Messi wants to crush Spain’s hopes first.
