New Delhi, July 16 -- Argentina captain Lionel Messi hit back at critics following his team's sensational 2-1 win over England in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Wednesday. After the first half ended goalless, Argentina found themselves 0-1 down following Anthony Gordon's strike in the 55th minute.

However, the defending champions never gave up, and instead of panicking, they continued to dominate possession. Argentina pushed England deeper into their own half and kept creating chances.

Their persistence paid off when Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute, before Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi's cross in stoppage time to clinch a 2-1 victory.

"Let them say whatever they want. It hurts whoever it hurts,...