Messi believes the World Cup final will be a closely contested match.

Argentina, led by Scaloni, defeated England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final after conceding a goal, thanks to goals from Enzo and Lautaro. Messi stated in an interview that the final against Spain would be a closely contested match.

In the 55th minute of the second half, Morgan Rodgers assisted Gordon to score, giving England a 1-0 lead. In the 85th minute, Messi received a corner kick and passed it across the box, where Enzo followed up with a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area to equalize for Argentina at 1-1.

In stoppage time of the second half, Messi crossed from the right wing, and Lautaro Martinez headed the ball into the net, helping Argentina take a 2-1 lead over England.

In the end, Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1, securing their place in the World Cup final.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi said, "This team never surprises me, and we know what we are capable of. Perhaps outsiders have doubted us because many players are nearing their physical limits, but as long as we are united, we can always unleash extra power."

In addition, Argentina will face European champions Spain in the World Cup final, while De la Fuente's team still maintains its strong strength after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Messi said, "This is a team I know very well. They have a distinct football philosophy and have consistently adhered to this style of play for many years."

“I know these players very well. I have played against them and have been following them closely. Many of them currently play for Barcelona, which I love. This will be a very special match because it is the World Cup final, and I think it will be a very evenly matched contest.”

Messi also said, "We stepped onto the pitch with a firm determination, and for the fans, beating England in the semi-finals and advancing to the final again is of great significance."

Furthermore, Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni stated, "This is a tremendous joy for our country and people. I said a few days ago that this team always manages to surprise me. After this match, it's even harder for me to explain to the outside world just how capable these players are."

"We are unique, and this is not arrogance, but a feeling from the bottom of our hearts. This team performs at its best under pressure. When we are under pressure and our opponents hesitate even slightly, we smell the opportunity and launch a fatal blow without hesitation."

Scaloni also said, "From the moment we conceded the goal to the subsequent comeback, and those 40 minutes of performance, this is exactly how we should be."

"After we took the lead to 2-1, we had to grit our teeth and hold on to our advantage, and the players persevered until the very last moment. This is the football spirit we have learned since we were young."

Image source: Internet