His name may not feature on the scoresheet, but the assists for both Argentina’s goals came from the same man. Lionel Messi has made his mark in every match at the . And the was no different. Messi was one of the driving forces behind Argentina’s 40-minute onslaught, as they turned the game around with determination, grit and quality football.
The Argentina captain has also made his mark off the pitch, speaking with clarity and composure in every post-match interview. "It’s crazy how everything is unfolding. Honestly, before the World Cup began, I really believed in this group. I knew we would make the last four [teams] and that we would be in contention. And now we’ve reached another final. I think that’s five in a row. I’m not sure. It’s incredible."
On Sunday, Messi will contest the third World Cup final of his career, having been present when Argentina were runners-up to Germany in 2014 before defeating France in 2022. In New York New Jersey, he will go up against a side he knows very well. "They’re a tremendous team, with outstanding players. They play excellent football," he said of Spain.
"I know the Spanish side well and they have a style of play they’ve developed over many years. I know the players too. I’ve played against many of them and I follow them closely. Several of the squad play for Barca, a club that means a great deal to me and that I still keep up with. It will be a special World Cup final and obviously, I expect it to be very closely matched."
For Messi, however, reaching another final is no isolated achievement. It forms part of a years-long journey with a close-knit group in which he feels completely at home. "Everything I’ve experienced with this group since returning for the 2019 Copa America has been unbelievable, beyond anything I could have imagined.
"I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and not just the successes and the trophies we’ve won. Sharing everyday life with them and competing alongside them... it has been a truly wonderful journey, and we’ve also brought the fans so much joy. I’m very happy."
Reflecting on Argentina’s victory, Messi discussed how his side had responded after Anthony Gordon had put England ahead, with Enzo Fernandez’s long-range strike and Lautaro Martinez’s header completing the turnaround.
“I think we showed again [today] what we’ve been doing for years. This team plays free-flowing, high-quality football. We’re patient and we know how to read the key moments in a game. I think we dictated the game from the start. Although we didn’t create any clear chances before half-time, we were in control and saw a lot of the ball. And after they scored, we were even better."
For Messi, the key was – and remains – patience. Argentina kept the ball moving, waited for openings and attacked both through the middle and down the flanks. Quite simply, they refused to give up, despite hitting the woodwork, seeing clear chances go begging and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making a string of saves. "I think that once again shows how strong we are as a group. We’re mentally tough and play some good football. All of those things helped us win today," he added.
Lionel Messi is on his way to another World Cup final and, in his own words, he could not be happier.
Sources: FIFA Official
