Lionel Messi delivered an emotional tribute to the late Diego Maradona after leading Argentina to a thrilling comeback victory over England, sealing their place in the 2026 World Cup final. The Argentine captain described the triumph as “a gift” for Maradona, before turning his attention to the opportunity of adding another chapter to football history.
Messi pays homage to Maradona after emotional semi-final win
Argentina secured a berth in the 2026 World Cup final following a dramatic 2-1 win against England in Atlanta. After the final whistle, Messi shifted the spotlight away from himself to honour Maradona, whose enduring legacy continues to shape one of international football’s most iconic rivalries.
The Inter Miami star was presented with a replica of the jersey that Maradona famously wore during Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quarter-final victory over England. The symbolic gesture came just moments after yet another historic result over the same opponents booked Argentina’s spot in Sunday’s final.
Reflecting on Maradona’s enduring legacy
The significance of the encounter was not lost on the Argentine players, particularly given its historical echoes of the 1986 World Cup, when Maradona’s legendary ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ eliminated England. Speaking to TyC Sports after the match, Messi said the moment carried profound meaning due to Maradona’s lasting connection with this rivalry.
“Without a doubt, Diego is enjoying this immensely from up there because today was a very special day for him; being able to give him this joy and for him to experience it however he wants from up there. Let him enjoy it because it's a gift for him too,” Messi said.
Managing emotions in a passionate rivalry
Messi noted that the intensity of the occasion was palpable from the moment the national anthems began echoing around the stadium, setting the tone for another unforgettable meeting between the two nations. The Inter Miami captain admitted that the emotional nature of the match made it difficult to keep feelings in check.
“During the national anthems, something special happened because we started to hear the murmurs of their fans,” Messi revealed. “They were singing it in a special way, and we caught on to each other. Even though we knew it was a football match, sometimes it's difficult to control your emotions. We experienced it that way, and we played it that way too.”
One final step towards immortality
Argentina will now take on Spain in the World Cup final, with Messi seeking a second world title. A victory would cement another milestone in his illustrious international career and serve as a fitting tribute to Argentina’s legacy on the grandest stage of all.
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