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Lionel Messi dedicates World Cup semi-final win to Diego Maradona

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 7:04 AM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Lionel Messi dedicates World Cup semi-final win to Diego Maradona

Summary

Lionel Messi honored Diego Maradona after a World Cup semi-final victory over England. In a post-match interview, Messi expressed that the win was a tribute to Maradona, who led Argentina in their historic 1986 match against England. Messi, celebrating his two assists, conveyed his hope that Maradona was enjoying the moment from above. The semi-final continues Argentina's strong performance in the tournament, where Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists. Messi has often credited Maradona as a key influence in his career, further emphasizing the loss felt by not being able to celebrate this moment with him.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi provided two assists in the semi-final match against England.
•He dedicated the win to Diego Maradona, honoring his legacy.
•Messi is currently leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
•Maradona passed away in 2020 and did not see Argentina's recent triumphs.

Latest Updates

7:04 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi dedicates famous World Cup semi-final win over England to Diego Maradona

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi remembered the Argentine legend Diego Maradona after joining the legend in executing a famous World Cup win over England. Maradona scored two memorable goals against England in the 1986 World Cup to eliminate them.
— Yahoo Sports

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