Lionel Messi said that Argentina felt the presence of football legend Diego Maradona during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final match against the Netherlands. Argentina has reached the semi-finals after defeating the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout as the game was tied 2-2 after the end of extra time.

"Diego is watching us from heaven. He is pushing us and I really hope this stays the same until the end," Messi said after the match.

Argentina went ahead with a goal from Nauhal Molina in the 35th minute and a penalty from Messi in the 73rd minute before Holland equalized through Werghost in the 83rd minute and then again in the final minute of a 10-minute-long injury time to send the game to extra time and a shootout. Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved two kicks, leading them team into the semis.

Croatia earlier won the quarter-final match against Brazil in penalties and will face Argentina in the semifinal.