'Diego is enjoying this immensely from up there' - Lionel Messi says Argentina win was 'a gift' for Maradona in touching tribute after securing World Cup final spot
Lionel Messi dedicated Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England to the late Diego Maradona. The match carried significant emotional weight due to the historical rivalry between the two nations.
Why it matters
The cultural and historical significance of the Argentina-England football rivalry makes this a major event in global sports history.
Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona after Argentina came from behind to beat England and reach the 2026 World Cup final. The captain said the victory was "a gift" for the late icon before turning his focus towards one more chance at football history.
Argentina booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final after fighting back to beat England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta. Following the match, Messi shifted the focus away from himself and paid tribute to Maradona, whose legacy continues to define one of football's fiercest rivalries.
The Inter Miami forward was presented with a replica of the shirt Maradona wore during Argentina's famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final victory over England. The gesture came moments after another memorable win over the same opponents secured Argentina's place in Sunday's final.
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