Harry Kane praises Lionel Messi’s humility after World Cup loss

Losing a World Cup semi-final is the kind of moment that can define a career in the wrong direction. Harry Kane seems determined not to let it. In a September 18 interview with Marca, the England captain reflected on Argentina’s 2-1 victory over his side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, a match played on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Rather than dwelling on the result, Kane spent much of the conversation discussing his respect for Lionel Messi, the man who orchestrated England’s elimination with two assists in the final stretch of the game. Kane described Messi as “an incredible player” and “extremely humble,” noting the Argentine’s team-first mentality. Coming from a striker who scored 73 goals himself last season, the compliment carries weight. A lead that vanished in the closing minutes England actually took the lead in the semi-final through Anthony Gordon, and for a stretch of the match, it looked like Kane’s squad might be the ones booking a ticket to the final. Argentina clawed back with two late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, both assisted by Messi. For Kane, the loss was what he called a “difficult moment.” But the Bayern Munich strike...