Lionel Messi has broken his silence after Argentina booked a place in the final of this year’s FIFA World Cup, following its dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England.
On Wednesday, July 15, the 39-year-old Argentine footballer took to Instagram just hours after the match to celebrate the victory in the do-or-die clash, marking his third World Cup semifinal appearance of his career.
“A LA FINAL!!!!! Volvimos a sacar fuerza para hacer otro gran partido. Muchas gracias a todos los que confiaron en este grupo!!! Vamos Argentina carajo!!!!” (TO THE FINAL!!!!! We found the strength again to play another great match. Thank you very much to everyone who believed in this group!!! Let’s go Argentina, damn it!!!!), Messi captioned the post, which was originally written in Spanish.
The social media update followed Argentina’s thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. After Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, Enzo Fernández levelled the score in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez sealed the win in stoppage time from a Messi assist.
It is worth noting that, with the tournament nearing its conclusion, Argentina captain and France’s Kylian Mbappé have both scored eight goals and are tied at the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race.
Upcoming fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Before the final, France and England will face off in the third-place playoff on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Following the third-place playoff, Lionel Messi’s Argentina will take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.