Atlanta (Georgia) [US], July 17: Argentina superstar Lionel Messi acknowledged the significance of the 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals.
"The fans wanted this victory more than any other, because of what it means to face England in a semi-final and reach another World Cup final," he said after Wednesday's match.
The football rivalry between the two nations includes Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals and David Beckham's red card in the 1998 World Cup last 16. Off the pitch, the 1982 conflict surrounding the British-controlled Falkland Islands is also a factor.
The holders were going out after Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute opener but England then went defensive and Argentina surged forward, Enzo Fernandez levelling on 85 before Martinez headed in Lionel Messi's cross in stoppage time.
"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."
Argentina needed extra-time to shrug off Cape Verde and were 2-0 down to Egypt after 79 minutes of the last 16 before rallying for a 3-2 victory. Extra-time was also required to get past Switzerland, before the real drama against old rivals England in Atlanta secured a meeting with Spain on Sunday.
"No Argentine wanted to lose this match. The way this entire World Cup has unfolded has been incredible, especially considering the significance of this semi-final against England. No one wanted to lose today, setting aside any other context, but that's how it is," Messi said.
Source: Qatar Tribune
