ATLANTA : Lionel Messi said he never doubted Argentina’s ability to fight back after the defending champions came from behind to beat England 2-1 and reach a second successive World Cup final on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old captain provided assists for Enzo Fernandez’s equalizer and Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner as Argentina overturned Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener to book a meeting with Spain in Sunday’s final.
The dramatic victory continued a pattern of late escapes for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the round of 32 and Switzerland in the quarter-finals, while also recovering from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the last 16 with a stoppage-time winner.
“This group doesn’t surprise me,” Messi told reporters.
“I know, and we know, what we were capable of. People might have had doubts about us because we had players who were very much at their limit, but when we come together and are united, it always gives us an extra boost.
“They inspire each other. They find something they didn’t know they had and give everything.”
Messi, playing in his sixth World Cup, said he was fully focused on the tournament and not thinking about retirement as he prepares to face Spain in the final.
“It’s a team I know well,” said Messi, who spent 17 years at Barcelona.
“They have a footballing philosophy and have been playing this way for many, many years.
“I know the players. I’ve played against them, I follow them and several of them are at Barca, the club I love.
“It’s a special match, a World Cup final. I imagine it’s going to be an even contest.”
Following the victory, Argentina’s players celebrated in front of supporters behind a banner asserting the country’s claim to the Falklands/Malvinas Islands, reflecting the historical and political backdrop that has long accompanied matches against England.
Messi acknowledged the significance of the fixture beyond football.
“We went out there with real determination,” he said.
“The fans wanted this victory more than any other because of what it means to face England in a semi-final and reach another World Cup final.”
