Messi Dedicates World Cup Semi-Final Win to Maradona, Calls Victory a 'Gift'

Lionel Messi emotionally honored the late Diego Maradona after inspiring Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England in the World Cup semi-final. Messi described the win as a "gift" for the football icon.

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Diego was truly great. I never wanted to compare myself to him; as far as I’m concerned, he’s the greatest of them all. Today, wherever he is, he’ll be happy, enjoying all of this, given how much the national team meant to him and the legacy he left behind. It’s a gift for him.

The 39-year-old captain was instrumental in both of Argentina's goals during the thrilling match. Reflecting on Maradona's enduring legacy, Messi guided the defending champions to their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain. "Diego was truly great. I never wanted to compare myself to him; as far as I'm concerned, he's the greatest of them all," Messi stated post-match. "Today, wherever he is, he'll be happy, enjoying all of this, given how much the national team meant to him and the legacy he left behind. It's a gift for him."

Messi's tribute carries particular weight due to the historic rivalry between Argentina and England, a fixture forever marked by Maradona's iconic performance in the 1986 World Cup. This included his infamous "Hand of God" goal and the subsequent "Goal of the Century." Messi admitted the semi-final held significance beyond just reaching another final. "Although it was just a match, we experienced something special. We could feel it right from the national anthem," he said. "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 in a row."

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Although it was just a match, we experienced something special. We could feel it right from the national anthem. 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 in a row.

Celebrations erupted across Argentina following the victory, with Messi noting the national desire to win such a symbolic encounter. "I'm very proud and happy to be able to give the Argentine people this special joy. Nobody wanted to lose today," he added. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continued his exceptional World Cup campaign by setting up Enzo Fernández's equalizer and Lautaro Martínez's stoppage-time winner after England's Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring. This performance also bolstered Messi's World Cup legacy, making him the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals and its highest assist provider with 13.

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I’m very proud and happy to be able to give the Argentine people this special joy. Nobody wanted to lose today.

Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Messi acknowledged the quality of Luis de la Fuente's team. "It's a tremendous team with some outstanding players, who play great football," he commented. "It's a special match, a World Cup final. I imagine it's going to be an even contest."

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It’s a tremendous team with some outstanding players, who play great football. It’s a special match, a World Cup final. I imagine it’s going to be an even contest.