According to Messi, the turning point that helped Argentina come from behind to defeat England was Enzo Fernandez's equalizer in the 85th minute. The Argentina captain stated that he and his teammates sensed the opponent's fatigue and inability to respond, leading them to believe victory was possible within 90 minutes.

"I was very emotional. When we equalized, the entire team felt the enthusiastic support from the crowd, knowing we could win within regular time", Messi told Globo newspaper in the post-match interview area on 16/7. "We completely overwhelmed them. Argentina attacked through the middle, from the wings, creating chances with crosses and through balls. We felt England no longer wanted to play, and victory was very close".

Lionel Messi (dark blue) crosses the ball for Lautaro Martinez to head in Argentina's second goal during the World Cup 2026 semifinal match against England in Atlanta, US, on 15/7. Photo: AP

Before the World Cup 2026 semifinal, Messi had never faced England in his career. The former Barca and PSG forward played quietly in the first half, but everything changed after Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute. In the next 37 minutes, Argentina applied suffocating pressure, achieving an 88% ball possession rate.

Messi shifted to the right wing, consistently creating turning points. In the 85th minute, from a corner kick routine, Messi passed the ball to Enzo Fernandez, who scored the equalizer from a distance to make it 1-1. In injury time, the Inter Miami superstar delivered another precise cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory and sending the Albiceleste to their second consecutive final.

Messi also praised the Argentina fans, who motivated the team after the equalizer. "After the score was 1-1, the fans gave us incredible strength", he added. "Argentina is a great team. This was a match we were determined to win at all costs. And that victory gives us another chance to participate in the World Cup final".

The 39-year-old superstar completed 9 successful dribbles, more than the entire "Three Lions" squad combined. Since full World Cup data began being recorded in 1966, no player has achieved this feat in a knockout stage match.

Messi also had 7 touches in the opponent's penalty area, equaling the total of all England players on the Mercedes-Benz pitch. The Argentina captain created 4 scoring chances, also matching the entire opposing squad combined. Additionally, the Argentina captain delivered 9 crosses, more than anyone else in Atlanta on 16/7. Two of these directly led to goals.

"He was almost walking on the pitch, then suddenly came alive when the ball reached his feet", admired former England international Micah Richards. "Genius appears at the right moment, and sometimes that is the decisive difference".

Former goalkeeper Joe Hart suggested that England repeated an approach previously used against Mexico and Norway, but this backfired in Atlanta. "They locked down the area in front of the goal, but that inadvertently freed Messi", the 39-year-old former goalkeeper remarked. "He holds the key to unlock every door and completely dominated the match in the final 15 minutes".

Two assists also helped Messi take the lead in the Golden Boot race. El Pulga has 8 goals, like Kylian Mbappe, but has more assists (4 compared to 3). Messi could surpass Michael Olise in total assists at World Cup 2026 if he continues to shine in the final against Spain on 19/7 at the New York/New Jersey stadium.

Argentina is aiming for their fourth world championship in history, and has the chance to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend their World Cup title.

Vy Anh