Lionel Messi hailed a "special" victory after Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, but Argentina's 39-year-old captain proved the difference in the closing stages.
Messi threaded the pass for Enzo Fernandez to level in the 85th minute and then delivered the cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner.
Messi said the occasion carried a particular weight. "Quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context," he said.
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He made the comment in a nod to the backdrop of the game played amid a simmering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, the scene of a brief but bitter conflict between the two countries in 1982.
The victory was another demonstration of the resilience Argentina have shown throughout the tournament.
They had already recovered from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last 16 to win 3-2.
"What the group has been doing is incredible, and this, of course, is again something that shows our character, our grit, our collective, the way that we play together. It was really, truly amazing," Messi said.
Turning to Sunday's final, Messi spoke warmly but warily of Spain, who beat France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
He knows the Spanish system well from his long years at Barcelona.
"They play very, very well. I know them quite well. Their whole idea and philosophy has been very well (developed) throughout this time, and I know the players as well," he said, describing them as "a fantastic side, wonderful players."
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