TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Argentina captain Lionel Messi asserted that his team's journey to the 2026 World Cup final is the hard-earned reward of relentless work and clinical play throughout the tournament. He dismissed any notions that the Albiceleste received a favorable path back to the title match.
Argentina secured their place in the final after staging a comeback to edge England 2-1 in their semifinal clash at Atlanta Stadium in the United States on Thursday, July 16. After briefly falling behind to an Anthony Gordon strike, Lionel Scaloni’s men turned the tide with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Messi played a crucial role by delivering both assists. "It's crazy what this group has just achieved once again, reaching a World Cup final. We've been the best over these past four years, either you like it or not, and no matter what anyone says," Messi said, as quoted by Antara. "Once again, we've established ourselves among the top two teams in the world. That proves that everything we've done is no fluke and that nothing was handed to us."
The 39-year-old maestro emphasized that Argentina did not merely rely on fighting spirit but showcased tactical quality against England. "We compete, we fight, and we also play well. Look how we played today dominating England while we were losing," Messi said.
He expressed pride as Argentina punched its ticket to the World Cup final for the second consecutive tournament. "I’m very proud and happy to be able to give the Argentine people this special joy," he said.
Argentina will next face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at New Jersey Stadium early on Monday, July 20, Jakarta time. The Albiceleste now have the opportunity to defend the global crown they claimed in the previous edition.
Harry Kane Explains the Root of England's Defeat
Meanwhile, England captain Harry Kane believes his team failed to maintain the lead because they chose to play too defensively after scoring. In his assessment, such a passive approach simply does not cut it at the World Cup semifinal level.
"I'm gutted for all the boys, all the staff, everyone behind the scenes, because we know how much everyone puts into being a successful national team," Kane said, as quoted by FIFA.
The Bayern Munich striker admitted that the defeat was painful because all players had given their best effort throughout the tournament. "We’ve worked so hard to be here. The lads have given everything, every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is. To fall short like we did today is just gutting," he said.
Kane believes England executed their game plan well in the first half and the early part of the second half. The high pressure applied made it difficult for Argentina to develop their game. However, the situation changed after England took the lead. According to Kane, Argentina became increasingly aggressive, while England failed to match the opponent's intensity.
"After the goal whether it was them putting more men forward or us just not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave [of Argentina attacks]. We were trying to hold on, lads were putting blocks in, but in the end it just wasn’t enough," he said.
Despite failing to reach the final, Kane believes England's journey in the 2026 World Cup shows progress. He stated that the Three Lions are getting closer to their goal of winning the title, although they must still find a way to overcome obstacles in the final stages of the tournament.
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