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 striker chose to handle the aftermath with a gesture that has since resonated across the football world. After the final whistle, Kane walked over to Messi, embraced him, and wished him good luck in the final. He later said he wanted to “keep my head held high” even in the toughest of moments.

Two generational scorers, one brief postgame hug

Kane’s 73-goal season has placed him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. Messi’s own season produced 82 goals, the highest single-season tally since the 2011-12 campaign, which was also a Messi season.

England’s consolation and Kane’s legacy question

After the semi-final exit, England regrouped and defeated France in the third-place playoff. Kane’s individual tournament adds another chapter to what is becoming one of the more compelling career arcs in modern football. His 73-goal haul has put him in elite statistical company, and the Ballon d’Or speculation is not unfounded.

What the Marca interview reveals is a player choosing to frame his career on his own terms. By publicly praising Messi rather than lamenting the loss, and doing so in a major international outlet two months after the fact, Kane suggests the moment left a genuine impression.