Messi dedicates World Cup semi-final win over England to Maradona, calls him 'greatest'

Argentina football captain Lionel Messi dedicated his team’s victory over England in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to the late Diego Maradona. The 39-year-old, who is often compared to the icon, paid tribute to his predecessor after the clash, calling him “truly great” and saying he never wanted to put himself in comparison with the latter. According to Messi, Maradona is the “greatest of them all”, ESPN reported.

Also read: Why did Argentina hold Falklands banner? Messi and Co could face FIFA action

"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," he said, according to the sports media channel. Messi called Maradona Argentina's greatest football legend last year too.

The Argentina talisman, who set up both his team’s goals against England in the dying stages of the match after the defending champions conceded one, said Maradona would be happy seeing how his country was doing and enjoying every bit of it.

Maradona's 1986 QF show against England

The former Argentina midfielder, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, is particularly remembered when his country plays England, thanks to his unforgettable quarterfinal exploits against the same opponent in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The Albiceleste won on that occasion 2-1 as well, with Maradona himself scoring a brace, the second remaining immortal as the “Hand of God” goal, both famously and infamously.

Argentina went on to win the trophy that year. Four decades later, they are waiting for their fourth crown with the final match set against Spain in New Jersey, USA, on Sunday (July 19).

Also read: From plastic tub to FIFA final hub: Epic Messi-Yamal 2007 image goes viral again

Messi also recalled sharing the dressing room with Maradona during the 2010 World Cup when the late icon was the national coach. He said they had wonderful moments when they discussed opponents and games.

England clash was special, admits Messi

Given the intense football rivalry between Argentina and England, both for reasons on and off the ground, Messi conceded that the semifinal match in Atlanta was special for him and the people of Argentina.

Also read: Argentina VP brands England ‘invaders' as World Cup SF mood revives Falklands

He said the supporters wanted Argentina to win the match more than any other, for it was against England and winning it would put the country in its second successive World Cup final. Argentina lifted the 2022 trophy, beating France in a penalty shootout.

Messi, who played a key role in the success four years ago, is also in prime form in this edition. He has scored eight goals in the tournament so far and is the highest scorer at World Cups with a tally of 21.