Lionel Messi said that playing in two consecutive World Cup finals with Argentina is "crazy" after the team’s 2–1 comeback victory over England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. The Argentina captain highlighted the unity of the squad and said the team never stopped believing in victory before facing Spain in the final.
"Playing two World Cup finals in a row is crazy," Lionel Messi said on Wednesday after Argentina’s 2–1 victory over England in the semifinals, a win that sent La Albiceleste through to the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
"We are experiencing special emotions. I think the group felt it, and we knew this was not just another victory — it was an important one, a victory that the Argentine people wanted, and that we wanted as well. Without mixing anything else into it, it remains a special match," Messi said regarding the historic rivalry with England.
"Today we went looking for it again when things had become difficult. We never stopped believing, never stopped trying to play our football," said the captain, adding: "We pushed them back into their own box, and the truth is that it is an enormous happiness."
Messi also highlighted that his national team will once again play in a World Cup final: "We are putting Argentina among the top two teams in the world again," he said, and asked the fans "to enjoy it and experience it the way they are doing."
Speaking about the team, the number 10 emphasized that "this group, when it comes together and is united, always gives something extra."
"I think this group no longer owes anything to anyone. It has shown that it always gives its maximum effort, and it has brought immense joy to the Argentine people throughout all these years," Messi said.
For the captain, after the elimination in the semifinals of the 2019 Copa América, "the group had a turning point, and from then on it began achieving everything it has achieved and living unforgettable moments."
"As always, now it will be whatever God wants," he added ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain.
