Lionel Messi dedicated Argentina's 2-1 World Cup semifinal win over England to the late Diego Maradona. The defending champions came from behind Wednesday in Atlanta to reach Sunday's final against Spain. Messi, 39, who set up both Argentina goals, said: "Diego was truly great... he's the greatest of them all. Today, wherever he is, he'll be happy... It's a gift for him." Maradona, who died in 2020, scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England in the 1986 quarterfinal, a 2-1 Argentina win en route to the title.

Messi acknowledged the rivalry's weight: "Although it was just a match, we experienced something special... The fans wanted this victory more than any other." The Inter Miami forward, MVP of Argentina's 2022 Qatar triumph, became the all-time World Cup top scorer with 21 goals and leading assist provider with 13. "This team never stops trying... we're in another World Cup final," he said.

Sunday's final features eight Barcelona players — Messi's former club. He praised Spain's "tremendous team" and "footballing philosophy," calling it "an even contest."