‘Diego really enjoyed it from above’: Lionel Messi’s emotional tribute to Diego Maradona after Argentina reached the FIFA World Cup final | Football News
NEW DELHI: Emotions ran high as Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a 2-1 victory over England in the semifinal at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday. Lionel Messi couldn’t add to his tournament-leading tally, but the 39-year-old played a decisive role by providing assists for two late goals as Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit to set up a title clash with Spain.After the victory, Messi gave an emotional tribute to the Argentine legend Diego Maradona.Speaking to TyC Sports, Messi dedicated the win to Maradona, who famously inspired Argentina to a memorable World Cup victory over England 40 years ago.“Undoubtedly, Diego is enjoying it very much from above because today is a very special day for him; to give him this happiness and so that he can experience it whatever he wants from there. Let him enjoy it because it’s also a gift for him,” Messi said.The victory came exactly four decades after Maradona produced one of the greatest individual performances in World Cup history against England in the 1986 quarterfinals, scoring the famous “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century.”Forty years later, Messi added another memorable chapter to the rivalry by scoring two goals in Argentina’s comeback victory.Messi also spoke about the atmosphere before the match, saying that the emotions inside the stadium were difficult to control.“During the songs, something special happened because we started to hear the murmuring of the people. The people sang them in a special way, and we held each other. Although we knew it was a football match, sometimes it is difficult to control your emotions. We experienced this way, and we played this way too,” said Messi.For years, Messi played under the shadow of Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, including an unforgettable victory over England.Now, Messi has created another historic moment of his own by inspiring Argentina to another World Cup final. Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final, where they aim to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
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