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Lionel Messi has revealed that Argentina could not afford to lose their World Cup semi-final clash against England, admitting that a defeat would have triggered unnecessary criticism despite their recent triumphs. The Argentine captain praised his team's determination as they fought from behind to secure a second consecutive appearance in the final.

Argentina overcome England to reach consecutive World Cup finals

Argentina booked their place in a second straight World Cup final after a spirited comeback saw them defeat England 2-1 in a tense semi-final encounter. The win set up a title showdown with Spain and extended the Albiceleste’s impressive run of form on the international scene.

Speaking after the match, Messi explained that meeting England carried special emotional weight. He said the intensity of the moment was evident right from the national anthem, describing the victory as one that both the players and the entire Argentine nation deeply desired.

Messi reflects on the pressure and belief behind the triumph

The Inter Miami forward acknowledged that a loss would have provoked harsh criticism, even though Argentina entered the tournament as defending world champions. He emphasised that the squad felt they simply could not afford to lose such a crucial game and believed they were the superior footballing side.

“It was a special match against England; we couldn’t lose,” Messi told TyC Sports. “While this group doesn’t owe anything to anyone, you know how Argentinians are – we always demand more. I think if we had lost today, people would have come out and said something stupid, and we didn’t give them that chance.

“We knew we were better than them on the pitch, but there’s so much at stake in a match like this. History matters in these fixtures, but it’s also special because of what it represents, and we had to win.”

The captain also defended his team, who faced doubts due to injury and fitness issues heading into the tournament. He said: “This group doesn’t surprise me. I know them well, and we all understand what we’re capable of.

“People might have questioned us because of how we arrived at the match, with some players struggling physically, but when this team comes together, it always finds that extra gear. They lift each other up and find strength they didn’t even know they had to give everything for the shirt.”

Argentina’s golden era continues

Messi insisted that Argentina’s continued success shows their achievements have been earned through hard work rather than luck. Reaching back-to-back World Cup finals, he said, proves the team’s consistency over the past four years. The skipper encouraged both his teammates and fans to savour the moment ahead of the final.

“To reach another World Cup final after already being world champions – we’ve been the best for the last four years, whether people like it or not,” Messi said.

“Once again, we’re among the top two sides in the world. That proves our success isn’t by chance; nobody handed us anything. Making it to two consecutive World Cup finals is something very few teams achieve, and this group has done it.”

Messi added: “Enjoy this moment as we are. Today we’ve reached another World Cup final and once again placed Argentina among the world’s top two teams.

“We’ve enjoyed being world champions for the last four years, and now we’re back in the final. Celebrate it, because today we’ve taken that final step to reach what we all dreamed of – another World Cup final. As always, it’s in God’s hands.”

Spain await Argentina in the final showdown

Argentina will now shift focus to the World Cup final against Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in their semi-final. The title clash is scheduled to take place at New Jersey Stadium in New York on Sunday.