World Cup 2022: Messi will be a unique advantage for Argentina in the semi
Argentina's progress to Tuesday's match was primarily inspired by Messi, the forward scoring four and assisting two of their nine goals.
"He has always been like this," said Lyon left-back Tagliafico.
"For us, he is our captain and our leader. He is the one pushing us and motivating us."
Messi will equal Germany great Lothar Matthaus' 25-match tournament appearance record against the 2018 World Cup finalists at Lusail Stadium (19:00 GMT).
The 35-year-old also has other personal milestones in view as he looks to lead Argentina to a first triumph since 1986 in his fifth and likely last World Cup.
As well as being Argentina's joint-highest goalscorer alongside Gabriel Batistuta in the competition with 10, Messi is one assist away from equalling Diego Maradona's overall record of eight at the World Cup finals.
"He is the one who gives us that special advantage when we are on the pitch," added Tagliafico.
"We know we have Messi, and it is an excellent source of motivation and hope because we all know that we can contribute and give our best. We are delighted to have Messi as our captain.
"With everyone's support, we are all working together to achieve our dreams, and it is the most beautiful thing to do it with Messi by our side."
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