Messi dedicates World Cup final place to ‘watching from above’ Maradona

Lionel Messi says Argentina’s dramatic World Cup semi-final victory over England – and their passage to the 2026 final – is “for” Diego Maradona, insisting the late icon is “enjoying this moment from above”.

The Argentina captain produced two assists in a tense 2-1 win over England in the last four, before paying an emotional tribute to the 1986 World Cup winner.

“I’m sure that Diego is enjoying this moment from on high.. this victory is for him; it has always been a very special day,” Messi told French outlet Foot Mercato.

“I am happy because I was able to give him this joy, and I hope with all my heart that he enjoys it.”

Emotional nod to Argentina’s greatest idol

Messi, who finally lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, has long spoken of his deep connection to Maradona, who died in 2020 but remains Argentina’s most revered football figure.

Speaking after the semi-final, Messi reflected on how privileged he felt to have shared time and history with the man many in his country still consider football’s ultimate genius.

“We were lucky because we lived in Diego’s era. I did not want to part from him, and I know that he loved me. I cherish all the beautiful moments that brought us together,” Messi said.

His words struck a chord in Argentina, where every major national-team success is still measured against Maradona’s iconic 1986 campaign – which also famously featured a World Cup knockout victory over England.

By dedicating a key win over the same opponents to Maradona, Messi further tightened the symbolic bond between the two eras of Argentine greatness.

Maradona tributes a recurring theme

This is not the first time Messi has publicly honoured Maradona after a major triumph.

The forward previously dedicated Argentina’s 2021 Copa America title – his first major trophy with the senior national team – to Maradona, framing that long-awaited success as part of his late mentor’s legacy.

In that tournament, as in this World Cup, Messi was the central creative force, combining playmaking and leadership in a role that invites constant comparison with Maradona.

While Messi has forged his own global legacy – winning multiple Ballons d’Or, a World Cup and continental honours – he continues to present his achievements as part of a wider Argentine story that began long before him.

From playmaker-in-chief to leader of a new generation

Against England in the 2026 semi-final, Messi again underlined his enduring influence. Operating as the team’s chief creator, he registered two decisive assists, orchestrating attacks and dropping deep to help dictate play.

His performance highlighted attributes often used to define his standing in modern football “power rankings”: attack, playmaking and leadership, backed by a team whose defensive resilience has improved through the tournament.

Around him, a younger generation has emerged, with several rising stars in contention for the tournament’s best young player award – an illustration of how Argentina are evolving from a Messi-dependent side into a more balanced unit.

Yet even as new talents shine, the narrative remains anchored in continuity: Messi, the veteran captain, leading a fresh wave of players while saluting the memory of the man who inspired them all.

With one match left to play at this World Cup, Messi’s words ensure that, for many Argentine fans, any potential triumph in the final will belong not just to the current team – but also, once again, to Diego Maradona.