Lionel Messi Dedicates Argentina's Win to Diego Maradona, Eyes World Cup Final

Kathmandu. Argentina captain Lionel Messi has offered an emotional tribute to the late Diego Maradona after a thrilling victory against England. After Argentina made it to the final by making a comeback in the World Cup semi-final, he said this victory was a 'gift for Maradona'. Now his attention is focused on the opportunity to add another golden chapter in football history.

Honoring Maradona After Historic Win Against England

In the semi-final held in Atlanta, Argentina defeated England 2-1 to reach the final of the 2026 World Cup. After the match, Messi, diverting everyone's attention from his performance, remembered the great hero of Argentine football, Diego Maradona, whose legacy has made the Argentina-England rivalry even more special.

After the match, Messi was presented with a replica of the historic jersey Maradona wore against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals as a gift. He was honored moments after Argentina reached the final by achieving another historic victory against the same opponent.

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'Today's victory is for Diego too'

Maradona's 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' against England in the 1986 World Cup are still among the most talked-about moments in football history. Therefore, this match was also emotionally very important for the Argentine team.

Talking to TYC Sports after the match, Messi said, 'Undoubtedly, Diego is watching all this happily from above. Today is a very special day for him. We got to give him this happiness and he is enjoying it as he wishes from above. This victory is also a gift for him.'

Battle of Emotions Began with the National Anthem

According to Messi, the atmosphere on the field became extraordinary from the moment the national anthem was played before the game started. He said that the sound and atmosphere of the English supporters made the players feel that this was not just an ordinary football match.

'I felt something special while the national anthem was playing. We could clearly hear the voices of their supporters. They were singing very emotionally, and we could feel the reaction. We knew it was just a football match, but sometimes it's very difficult to control emotions. We felt that emotion and played with that emotion.'

Opportunity to Create Another History Now

Now Argentina will compete with Spain in the World Cup final. Messi will enter the field with the goal of winning the World Cup for the second time.

If Argentina succeeds in winning the title, it will be another historic achievement in Messi's international career. It will also bring a meaningful end to Argentina's campaign on the biggest stage of world football.