Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi was not surprised by Argentina’s comeback against England.
- The victory secured a place in the World Cup final for Argentina.
- Messi expressed his excitement to face Spain in Sunday’s match.
In a dramatic World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium, Lionel Messi and his teammates pulled off an impressive comeback against England, securing a 2-1 victory. The 39-year-old captain of Argentina provided assists for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez in the final minutes of the match, ensuring their passage to the title decider.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Messi stated, 'This group doesn’t surprise me. I know and we know what we were capable of.' He continued, 'People might have had doubts about us because we had players who were very much at their limit, but when we come together and are united, it always gives us an extra boost.'
The victory came after a series of challenging matches for Argentina. They overcame Cape Verde in the Round of 32, Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and Egypt in the last 16 with a stoppage-time winner that secured a 3-2 win from a 2-0 deficit.
Messi’s comments highlighted the team’s unity and mutual inspiration: 'They inspire each other. They find something they didn’t know they had, and give everything.'
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match against Spain in New Jersey, Messi expressed his familiarity with the opponents. He said, 'It’s a team I know well. They have a footballing philosophy and have been playing this way for many, many years. I know the players. I’ve played against them, I follow them and several of them are at Barca, the club I love.'
The victory was celebrated behind a banner proclaiming Argentina’s ownership of the Falklands/Malvinas, the South Atlantic islands their country fought over with Britain in 1982. Given this history and the wider cultural and footballing rivalry, Messi emphasized the importance of the win: 'We went out there with real determination. The fans wanted this victory more than any other because of what it means to face England in a semi-final and reach another World Cup final.'
With Argentina now set to face Spain in the final, Messi’s words reflect both his personal enjoyment of the tournament and his commitment to leading his team to victory: 'It’s a special match, a World Cup final. I imagine it’s going to be an even contest.'
This group doesn’t surprise me. I know and we know what we were capable of.
Lionel Messi, Argentina captain
They inspire each other. They find something they didn’t know they had, and give everything.
Lionel Messi, Argentina captain
