In a 50-second interview video shared by ESPN, Argentina captain and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi said the victory was dedicated to the loyal supporters who desperately wanted it.
In the emotional interview, Messi admitted he was trying hard not to cry, revealing he had already shed plenty of tears because he fully understood what it meant to be playing in his third FIFA World Cup final.
Despite trailing at half-time, Argentina remained composed and returned for the second half with resilience. While the Three Lions believed their early goal would be enough and chose to sit deep in defence, the Argentines took advantage, scoring twice within five minutes. Both goals were assisted by Messi on Wednesday at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In the video, where he spoke in Spanish and was later translated into English, Messi said:
“Although it was just one match, we experienced some special moments,” Messi said. “The fans wanted this victory more than any other, because of what it means to face England in a semifinal and reach another World Cup final.”
“This team never stops trying. We went out there playing football and with real determination,” Messi said. “We pinned them back in their own half and showed we could win it in normal time, without going to extra time.
“No Argentine wanted to lose this match. The way this entire World Cup has unfolded has been incredible, especially considering the significance of this semifinal against England. No one wanted to lose today, setting aside any other context, but that’s how it is.”
“It’s very difficult to speak right now, but I’m going to try not to cry because I already cried a lot in there,” MartÃnez said after the game. “It’s incredible what we’ve achieved. We’ve kept moving forward, and that’s the greatest satisfaction we can have.
“We pulled off a very difficult victory. The first half was very tough. They pressed us very well. In the second half, they scored, sat back, and we were able to control the game more calmly, keeping possession.
“And when the floodgates opened, with our support and the encouragement of the fans, everything became easier. Well, we managed to get the second goal in stoppage time, and after that, it was pure happiness.”
The FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, 19 July, and Messi showed respect for Spain, saying Argentina must recover well and prepare properly for the decisive encounter.
“They are a rival with great players, so now we need to rest and recover as much energy as possible to prepare for the final in the best way possible,” Martinez said. “But we also get to enjoy it because what we are accomplishing is difficult, reaching the final after 3½ years being the reigning champions is not nothing.
“So, we get to enjoy this to the max.”
