Messi dedicates World Cup qualification to Maradona, calls him the greatest ever

Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, has dedicated the national team's 2-1 victory over England and their qualification for the 2026 World Cup final to the late football legend Diego Maradona.

Messi, who received a replica of Maradona's 1986 jersey from a Tyc Sports journalist after the match, expressed that Maradona would be immensely happy watching from above. "It was beautiful today, and surely Diego is enjoying it immensely from up there. Today was a very special day for him, and we wanted to give him this joy to enjoy," Messi stated. He believes Maradona marked the path for Argentine football, and the current team followed in his footsteps, leaving a significant legacy.

The Inter Miami star also addressed comparisons between himself and Maradona, emphasizing his respect for the football icon. "We are lucky to have lived with Diego and enjoyed him. I am very happy to be living this moment and helping Argentina reach a World Cup final again. I never wanted to compare myself to him, and I never will. For me, he is the greatest of all time," Messi said. He recalled their shared moments, including during the 2010 World Cup, and described daily life with Maradona as "crazy" but deeply cherished.

Enzo Fernández, who scored the opening goal against England, also paid tribute to Maradona. He mentioned watching the 1986 match multiple times recently and is certain Maradona is happy in heaven, supporting the team. "I love Diego, I've always said it. Juli [Álvarez] and I watched the match against England. It's one of those that mark football history, and for us, it was a huge motivation," Fernández commented.

Messi described the qualification as "crazy" and looked ahead to the final against Spain, saying, "May it be as God wills." He reflected on the special feelings experienced from the start of the match, especially during the anthem, and felt the group's connection to the moment.