Lionel Messi had already won the World Cup in Qatar 2022, but the Argentina captain wrote a new chapter in his amazing career on Wednesday, leading his team to an exciting victory over England in the semi-final of the North American World Cup.

The defending champions faced difficulties in reaching the final scene, trailing until the 85th minute after a goal by English striker Anthony Gordon, before Messi worked his magic.

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The all-time top scorer in World Cup history did not score this time, but he set up the equalizer scored by Enzo Fernandez, then delivered a cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home and seal Argentina's 2-1 victory. Messi, 39, said after facing England for the first time in his career, 'These are special feelings. I think the team members felt that, and this was a match that the Argentine people desperately wanted to win, and so did we.' He added, 'This encounter remains special.' Messi did not manage to emulate the achievement of Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who scored two iconic goals in the win over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. But the Inter Miami star created two goals and followed in his legendary predecessor's footsteps, having led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

After the 'Albiceleste' maintained their incredible record of never losing a World Cup semi-final in history, Messi will play in his second consecutive final, and third in his international career. The South American side aims to become the first team to retain the world title since Brazil in 1962. Messi is the only player to have played in the final that Argentina lost to Germany in 2014, and he will become only the second player, after Brazil's Cafu, to play in three finals in the competition. Messi said, 'It's amazing to play in two consecutive finals.' Argentina had previously staged a stunning comeback against Egypt to advance from the round of 16 (3-2) at the same stadium in Atlanta.

They smelled elimination after England retreated and became defensive after scoring the go-ahead goal. Messi, who has played a record 33 matches in six different World Cups, said: 'We managed to come back when the game went against our wishes. We never stopped believing in ourselves.' For long periods of Wednesday's match, Messi's influence was limited, but he showed his ability to lead his team to victory. England captain Harry Kane said, 'I felt that for long periods we managed to limit Messi's danger, but he belongs to the most dangerous type of players in the world, capable of making a difference in the final third.' He added, 'He's done it again. That's what makes him one of the greatest players of all time.'

- 'Spain with Barcelona memories' - Many consider Messi the greatest footballer of all time, and the debate may be settled if Argentina successfully defend their world title in Sunday's final against Spain. Pele and Maradona only played in two World Cup finals, while Maradona won the title just once. Messi is also the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals, although Frenchman Kylian Mbappe is just one goal behind him and will play England on Saturday in the third-place match. The former Barcelona star could have retired from international football at ease after the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina defeated France in the final. But it seems the legendary player has saved his energy for the World Cup in recent years, having moved away from the high pace of European football and adapted to the American environment with Inter Miami. While Cristiano Ronaldo's continued presence with Portugal is seen as a possible hindrance to the team, Messi has retained the same influence with his national team as usual. England's German coach Thomas Tuchel said, 'He is a leader and the main player in any team he plays for.' The Argentina captain will get his chance to play against Spain in an official match for the first time, as the identity of the opponent makes the encounter unique. Messi moved to Barcelona with his family at the age of 13 and lived there for two decades before leaving in 2021 for Paris Saint-Germain. Messi holds a Spanish passport and may one day settle again in Castelldefels, on the coast near Barcelona. But before thinking about that, his eyes are now set on shattering Spain's dreams.