From Maradona to Messi: Argentina’s football legacy lives on
By Joel Masibo, July 16, 2026Forty years separate them, yet Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi remain connected by the same passion, spirit and identity that define Argentine football.
Following Argentina’s dramatic World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Messi produced a moment that instantly reminded supporters of Maradona’s iconic celebrations after defeating the same opponents in 1986. Different stadiums, different generations, but the same emotion.
As jubilant Argentina fans celebrated their team’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, chants praising Messi echoed around Atlanta Stadium. Wearing the captain’s armband, Messi raised his arms toward the supporters before pointing at his teammates, making it clear that the triumph belonged to the entire squad. His simple message was unmistakable: “Everyone! All of us!”
The gesture revived memories of Maradona, who expressed a similar sentiment after Argentina’s famous victory over England four decades earlier. Though the settings differed, both captains shared the same belief that success is always collective.
The semi-final also highlighted the enduring identity of Argentine football. While Messi did not produce a Maradona-style solo goal or score himself, he displayed the same determination, leadership and commitment that have long defined the nation’s greatest No.10s by providing two assists, one for Enzo Fernandez and another for Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina’s iconic shirt
For Argentina, the iconic shirt represents much more than an individual player; it reflects an enduring football philosophy built on creativity, courage and resilience.
Messi endured a difficult opening half as England’s aggressive pressing restricted his influence. He battled for possession, searched for space and frequently came under pressure, especially from Elliot Anderson. Until England opened the scoring, Argentina’s captain found few opportunities to dictate the game.
However, Lionel Scaloni’s side responded impressively after falling behind. Showing determination and attacking intent, Argentina pushed more players forward. Lautaro Martinez’s introduction alongside Julian Alvarez created additional space for Messi, who began operating more effectively down the right flank.
From there, the veteran playmaker transformed the match. His first assist set up Enzo Fernandez, threading a precise pass that allowed his teammate to finish through a crowded penalty area. His second assist demonstrated his remarkable vision, as he outwitted two defenders before delivering the perfect pass for Lautaro Martinez to score between England’s centre-backs, beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Before the match, an old video of Maradona resurfaced in which he insisted Argentina should never abandon its traditional style of football simply because the opponent was England. His words reflected a belief that Argentine football should always remain faithful to itself.
That philosophy became evident during the second half. Messi inspired his teammates as Argentina rediscovered their attacking rhythm, producing arguably their finest football of the tournament. Despite England defending deep, Argentina consistently found openings through sharp passing, intelligent movement, skilful dribbling and relentless attacking runs.
Even before equalising, Argentina appeared destined to score, with only the woodwork and fine margins denying them. Once they levelled the match, they grew stronger and eventually overwhelmed England, producing the kind of football that had previously carried them past France in the 2022 World Cup final and Brazil during South American qualifying.
Scaloni has often described this quality as Argentina’s greatest strength, a football instinct developed from childhood and deeply rooted in the nation’s culture.
Lautaro Martinez reflected on the emotional significance of his winning goal, saying, “From the moment my dad bought me my first boots, I dreamed of scoring this goal.”
After the final whistle, an emotional Scaloni praised his players, declaring, “We’re unique, and that is not arrogance. It comes from the heart.”
Team effort
Messi chose not to celebrate individually. Instead, he sang with supporters, embraced his teammates and encouraged fans to recognise the entire squad rather than focusing solely on him. He then sat alone on the pitch, taking in a moment that will become another unforgettable chapter in his remarkable career.
At 39 years old, Messi is preparing for his third FIFA World Cup final. He experienced the heartbreak of losing to Germany in 2014 before lifting the trophy against France in Qatar. Now he has another opportunity to add to his extraordinary legacy.
Reflecting on the victory, Messi said, “Playing in back-to-back World Cup finals is madness. This group is incredible. Today, when it got difficult, we went after it again because we never stopped believing, never stopped trying, and we did it with our football. When we fell behind, we pinned them back. We’re just over the moon.” He told FIFA.
Argentina will now face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, a fitting opponent given it was in Spain where Messi’s legendary career first blossomed.