Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi said his team never stops trying after they registered another come-from-behind 2-1 win against England at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday. Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute for the Three Lions after a goalless first half.
As soon as England took the lead, Argentina lifted their level and catapulted a wave of attacks. 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.
Argentina had turned a corner against Egypt when they were two goals down and once again, delivered when they had their backs against the wall.
Messi said this win means a lot to their fans, who have always supported them.
“Although it was just one match, we experienced some special moments,” 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.”
Messi hailed the team’s tenacity to bounce back in the dying minutes of the game.
“This team never stops trying. We went out there playing football and with real determination,” Messi said. “We pinned them back in their own half and showed we could win it in normal time, without going to extra time.
“No Argentine wanted to lose this match. The way this entire World Cup has unfolded has been incredible, especially considering the significance of this semifinal against England. No one wanted to lose today, setting aside any other context, but that’s how it is.”
On the other hand, Martinez expressed his delight after Argentina bounced back in style to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup final.
“It’s very difficult to speak right now, but I’m going to try not to cry because I already cried a lot in there,” Martínez said after the game. “It’s incredible what we’ve achieved. We’ve kept moving forward, and that’s the greatest satisfaction we can have.
“We pulled off a very difficult victory. The first half was very tough. They pressed us very well. In the second half, they scored, sat back, and we were able to control the game more calmly, keeping possession.
“And when the floodgates opened, with our support and the encouragement of the fans, everything became easier. Well, we managed to get the second goal in stoppage time, and after that, it was pure happiness.”
Argentina will face Spain in the summit clash of the World Cup at New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
