Lionel Messi's Emotional Triumph After Crushing England in Semifinal

Lionel Messi, the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, has made history during the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup, racking up eight goals and four assists across seven matches. This performance puts him at the forefront of the Golden Boot race.

Argentina faced England in the semifinal, where Anthony Gordon struck first, putting England ahead 1-0 in the 55th minute. But Messi and his squad were undeterred. In a dramatic turn, Messi assisted Enzo Fernandez, who equalized in the 85th minute. Then, in stoppage time, Messi delivered a stunning right-footed cross that Lautaro Martinez headed in for the decisive goal.

When the final whistle blew, Messi was visibly emotional, marking his third and likely final trip to a World Cup final.

Messi's World Cup journey spans six tournaments, with a total of 21 goals and 12 assists. His first final appearance came in 2014 when Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany. His second final in 2022 saw Argentina triumph over France in a penalty shootout, widely regarded as one of the greatest finals ever.

Now, Argentina aims to become the first team to win back-to-back men's World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. They will face Spain at MetLife Stadium on July 19, a match that holds personal significance for both Messi and Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni.

Scaloni acknowledged his ties to Spain post-match, stating, "I live in Spain. I have Spanish family. But Sunday, I'm sorry, we're going to try to beat them. Maximum respect, and I congratulate them because of not only how they play but how they hold themselves. The truth is that it's going to be a beautiful game."

He added, "Hopefully, the Spanish are happy that Argentina is in the final [because] of how much happiness Leo Messi has given that country."

Messi's career began in Barcelona's youth system in 2000, where he became a star for 17 years before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. In 2023, he joined Inter Miami CF and has since claimed back-to-back MLS MVP awards, along with an MLS Cup championship and MVP title.

Check out more clips of Messi and the Argentines celebrating England's demise below.