Lionel Messi provided two assists as Argentina stunned England to reach their second successive World Cup final following a late show in Atlanta, Georgia. The World Cup holders posed with a flag reading 'The Falklands are Argentinian' after coming from behind to eliminate the Three Lions and reach Sunday's final against Spain.
Messi on Emotional Motivation
After setting up goals for Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez, Messi revealed that raw fan emotion tied to the past helped drag La Albiceleste over the line. "Everything we experienced was incredible, from the very beginning, as we said. Although it was a football match, when we started to enter the field and during the anthem, we experienced special feelings, and the group felt that," Messi said. "It wasn't just another victory; it was an important victory that the Argentine people wanted, and we wanted it too, and it put us in another World Cup final."
Martinez and Paredes Echo Sentiment
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez felt similarly: "I won't lie to you, we're all Argentinians and we experienced it like the fans. We knew the magnitude of this game and went for it from the first minute. We had to suffer because they're a very tough opponent, but in the end, we're always the ones who take the initiative, the ones who play without fear, and the ones who want to win."
Leandro Paredes appeared to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Falklands War, stating: "We are aware of what England means to this country, to us, and to history, because of that sad moment the people experienced and who are surely very happy today."
Match Details
England led on 55 minutes through Anthony Gordon before dropping deep and trying to protect their 1-0 lead. Thomas Tuchel's defensive changes did not pay dividends, enabling Messi to work his magic as he first teed up Fernandez for a stunner before crossing for Inter Milan forward Martinez. Paredes added: "This group doesn't surprise me. I know and we know what we were capable of. People had doubts about how we arrived, because we had players who were very much at their limit and with problems, but when this group comes together and is united, it always gives an extra boost."
