Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona (Image credit: Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Emotions ran high as Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a 2-1 win over England in the semifinal at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday. Lionel Messi did not add to his tournament-leading goal tally, but the 39-year-old played a decisive role by providing assists for both late goals as Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit to set up a title clash with Spain.After the victory, Messi paid an emotional tribute to Argentina legend Diego Maradona.Speaking to TyC Sports, Messi dedicated the victory to Maradona, who famously inspired Argentina to a memorable World Cup win over England 40 years ago.“Without a doubt, Diego is enjoying this immensely from up there because today was a very special day for him; to be able to give him this joy and for him to experience it however he wants from up there. Let him enjoy it because it’s a gift for him too,” Messi said.The victory came exactly four decades after Maradona produced one of the greatest individual performances in World Cup history against England in the 1986 quarterfinal, scoring the famous “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century.”Forty years later, Messi added another memorable chapter to the rivalry by creating both goals in Argentina’s comeback victory.Messi also spoke about the atmosphere before the match, saying the emotions inside the stadium were difficult to control.“During the anthems, something special happened because we started to hear the murmur of the crowd. People were singing them in a special way, and we caught on to each other. Even though we knew it was a football match, sometimes it’s hard to control your emotions. We experienced it that way, and we played it that way too,” Messi said.For years, Messi played under the shadow of Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, including the unforgettable victory over England.Now, Messi has created another historic moment of his own by inspiring Argentina to yet another World Cup final. Argentina will now take on Spain in Sunday’s final, where they will aim to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.