Lionel Messi has devoted Argentina’s dramatic victory over England within the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals to the late Diego Maradona, delivering an emotional tribute to the person he considers one of many best figures within the nation’s soccer historical past.
Following Argentina’s outstanding comeback to safe a spot within the World Cup ultimate, the captain stated the victory was a becoming reward for Maradona, whose iconic performances led the Albiceleste to World Cup glory in 1986.
Talking after the match, Messi mirrored on his shut relationship with the Argentine legend and the unforgettable recollections they shared all through his profession. Regardless of typically being in comparison with Maradona all through his profession, Messi made it clear that he by no means wished to measure himself towards the legendary No. 10.
I’m certain Diego is having fun with this a lot from up above. It goes for him, this was all the time a really big day… I’m completely happy of with the ability to give him this pleasure and 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 and enjoys it. We’re fortunate to have lived in Diego’s period. 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞. I select to carry on to all the attractive moments we shared collectively
Softfootball understands that Messi’s heartfelt feedback resonated with supporters around the globe, with many seeing the tribute as one other reminder of the deep respect he has all the time proven for Maradona’s legacy.
The victory over England sends Argentina into one other FIFA World Cup ultimate, conserving alive their hopes of defending the title they received in Qatar 4 years earlier. For Messi, nevertheless, the event carried significance past soccer, as he ensured one in every of Argentina’s best triumphs was remembered in honour of the person who impressed generations earlier than him.
