Messi dedicates World Cup final qualification to Maradona

Argentina's star Lionel Messi dedicated his team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup final to the spirit of the late legend Diego Armando Maradona, following their 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals.

After the match, Messi said: "I am sure Diego Maradona is enjoying this a lot from the sky... For him, it was a very special day."

The Argentina captain added: "The ability to give Maradona this joy, to live it however he wants from there and enjoy it... this was a gift for him."

Messi is preparing to lead Argentina in the World Cup final against Spain, seeking to retain the title and add another achievement to his historic career.