Argentina reached their second consecutive World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England, having trailed for much of the match. Captain Lionel Messi couldn’t hide his emotions following the remarkable turnaround.
In his own words, this victory was “not just another win” — it carried the weight of an entire nation’s feelings.
Messi shared his emotions in an interview with TYC Sports after the match.
“The whole experience was incredible. From the moment we stepped onto the pitch until the national anthem played, there was a special feeling in the air. We knew this was no ordinary match. The people of Argentina wanted this victory, and so did we. We’ve fulfilled that dream and are back in the World Cup final.”
The 39-year-old forward described reaching consecutive World Cup finals as “unbelievable.”
“It’s truly incredible. This team is amazing. We didn’t give up today. Even after falling behind, we stuck to our game plan and never lost faith. We kept the opponent pinned in their own half. It’s hard to put into words the joy of this win.”
Messi also praised the team’s fighting spirit, saying he had full confidence in this squad even before the World Cup began.
“Before the tournament started, we believed we would fight until the very end. Now we’re in the World Cup final for the second time in a row. In total, we’ve reached the final of five major tournaments in a row. It’s truly remarkable.”
Messi acknowledged that many had doubted the physical condition of some of the team’s players heading into the tournament. However, he believes this squad consistently brings out its best when playing together.
“Many doubted us because some players weren’t fully fit. But this team draws extra strength from being together — they inspire one another. That’s when they’re able to play beyond their individual abilities.”
Messi’s message to fans back home was equally heartfelt. Echoing the sentiment from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he urged everyone to savor the moment.
“Enjoy this moment as much as we are. We’re in the World Cup final again — once more among the two best teams in the world. We spent four years as world champions, and now we’re fighting for the title again. We’ve reached the final stage, which is what we all wanted. The rest is in God’s hands.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also spoke respectfully of Argentina’s upcoming opponent, Spain, describing them as a great team and predicting a closely fought final.
“Spain is a fantastic team. They have their own footballing philosophy, one that goes back many years. I know a lot of their players well — I’ve played against them, and many of them play for Barcelona, a club I’ve always loved. A World Cup final is always a special match, and I believe this one will be very competitive.”
