On July 14, Zanetti spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about Argentina's competitiveness, Messi's decisive role, and Lautaro Martinez's relationship with Julian Álvarez.
As an Inter Milan legend and a member of the World Cup organizing committee, Zanetti said: "Argentina deserved to be in the semi-finals because this team never gave up until the very last moment and was always full of belief. And they have an unparalleled fan base."
Speaking about Argentina's resilience, Zanetti said, "The strength of this team lies in its ability to withstand pressure and then react quickly – it is this reaction that has brought us to where we are today. There are moments in the game when Argentina seems to be in control, but then they get into trouble because the opponents are very well prepared physically. But after getting through that phase, the team shows the reaction of the whole team, the individual abilities of the players, and their personalities, and thus wins the game."
Regarding Messi's form, Zanetti said: "I know him very well. He was just a young lad when he first joined the national team. I anticipated his performance because he had prepared thoroughly for this World Cup, knowing it would be his last. He's doing everything he can to defend our national team jersey, just like he is doing now. Fortunately, he's very decisive, and with his performance and goals, we've reached the semi-finals."
Regarding Argentina's strong performance in the group stage but struggles in the knockout stage, Zanetti explained: "That's normal. The further you go, the better prepared the teams become. Modern football is very balanced. Some national teams are well-organized and will retreat to a defensive posture when playing against us. It's hard to find a way to break through. For example, against Switzerland, we went into extra time, and Julian Alvarez scored that brilliant goal to give us the lead. But every game is tough."
Speaking about Lautaro Martinez, Zanetti said: "As Scaloni said, Lautaro is crucial to this team. He started as a starter and then was relegated to the bench, which must have been a very difficult choice. But the type of game also has an impact. I really like the understanding between him and Alvarez; they are truly friends. Lautaro plays a decisive role every time he comes on. I never just look at whether he scores, but at everything he does, especially what he conveys—it's not easy to play in games like this, but he always leaves his mark in his own way and with his personality."
When asked whether he would start Lautaro or Alvarez in the semi-final against England, Zanetti laughed and replied, "I would start both, but I know the team needs to maintain balance. The best thing about Argentina is that the coach can choose from these names. Neither of them should feel like a substitute; they can both start."
Regarding the classic match between Argentina and England, Zanetti said: "This match is highly competitive, but I agree with Scaloni: the message needs to be conveyed that this is just a football game. It will be a great semi-final."
Recalling his iconic free-kick goal against England in the 1998 World Cup, Zanetti said, "That was a free-kick tactic—we'd practiced it in training for four years but never succeeded. Ortega was supposed to take it. Passarella told me in France, 'You take it.' Veron and Batistuta were standing in front of the ball, and anyone—including the English—would think they were going to shoot. I was positioned further forward on the right side of the wall. When the referee blew the whistle, Passarella practically rushed onto the field yelling, 'Execute the tactic!' Veron passed to me, and I took the shot. It was more perfect than all our practice. The 2002 game, on the other hand, was terrible. We didn't have any chances, and they won through Beckham's penalty."
Speaking of Scaloni, Zanetti commented: "He is an 'ordinary' coach who does extraordinary things. He pursues simplicity and makes the players feel comfortable. He forms an excellent working team with Samuel, Ayala, and Aimar. They are always looking to improve themselves and help the team progress, but in a simple way. Lionel is proving himself to be a great coach."
Regarding the probability of Argentina defeating England, Zanetti said: "I'm naturally optimistic. But just focus on this game. They also played extra time. Both teams have decisive players. Details will determine the outcome. England has Bellingham, a great champion, and Kane, a very powerful striker. Limiting them will be key."
Finally, when asked what football would lose after Messi's retirement, Zanetti said, "It will be difficult because he has left an indelible mark over the years. But he has left behind a group of important young players who have watched him defend the national team jersey. Maradona or Messi? I never like to make comparisons. I am proud that they are both Argentinians—Diego and Leao have given us so much."
