Argentina’s skipper Lionel Messi dedicated the 2-1 win against England in the World Cup semfinal at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday to late Diego Maradona. Messi reckons the legendary player would be happy after La Albiceleste’s thrilling win against the Three Lions.

Messi provided both the assists after England took a 1-0 lead when Anthony Gordon scored for Thomas Tuchel’s team. Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning goal from distance to equalise for La Albiceleste whereas substitute Lautaro Martinez scored a match-winning goal from header after a perfect assist from none other than Lionel Messi.

Messi said after the game: “Diego was truly great. I never wanted to compare myself to him; as far as I’m concerned, he’s the greatest of them all.

“We shared some wonderful moments; in 2010, at the World Cup, he had a brilliant spell — we talked about the opposition and the matches in that tournament.

“Today, wherever he is, he’ll be happy, enjoying all of this, given how much the national team meant to him and the legacy he left behind. It’s a gift for him.”

Messi expressed his happiness and revealed how proud he is of his teammates after getting over the line against England. 

“Although it was just a match, we experienced something special — we could feel it right from the national anthem,” 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 in a row.

“I know how happy people in Argentina are… My mum and my family sent me pictures of people celebrating.

“I’m very proud and happy to be able to give the Argentine people this special joy. No Argentine wanted to lose this match. It was incredible how this whole World Cup unfolded, given what this semifinal against England meant. Nobody wanted to lose today.”

Argentina will face Spain in the summit clash of the World Cup at New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.