Key Takeaways
- Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final, setting up a final against Spain.
- Lionel Messi scored an equaliser and assisted the winning goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez.
- This victory marks Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lionel Messi and his Argentina team stunned England to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup final. The match, which saw Argentina come from behind to win 2-1, was a testament to Messi's enduring brilliance on the international stage.
England had taken an early lead through Anthony Gordon’s goal just ten minutes after half-time, seemingly putting them on course for their first World Cup final since 1966. However, the match quickly turned into a classic of World Cup rivalry as Argentina fought back with two late goals in extra time.
Lionel Messi, who had waited until his 39th year to face England, set up Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser in the 85th minute and then crossed for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner just seconds into stoppage time. The goal was scored in the second minute of added time, sealing a memorable comeback for Argentina.
The victory is particularly significant as it marks Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance. No team has retained the trophy since Brazil in 1962, and now Messi will become just the second player after Brazilian great Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium on Sunday in New Jersey.
For England, this defeat is a bitter pill to swallow as they head to Miami for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France. The match was a stark reminder of the depth and quality of English talent, with Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane leading the charge but ultimately falling short on this occasion.
The deep-rooted rivalry between Argentina and England added an extra layer of tension to the match. Both teams were visibly fired up from the start, with fouls aplenty in the first half. Elliot Anderson was booked for scything down Messi early in the game, highlighting the intensity of the contest.
This victory also marks a significant milestone for Lionel Messi, who has never before faced England at this level. His career appeared to be complete when he led Argentina to glory in 2022, but his ambitions are far from over. Now, Messi will face Spain for the first time in a competitive game since their previous meetings.
Spain’s journey to the final was equally impressive, as they stunned tournament favourites France with a tactical masterclass at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a 58th-minute goal by Pedro Porro secured an utterly clinical victory for the European champions.
Spain’s midfield, led by Manchester City star Rodri, dominated French efforts to gain any foothold. The combination of poise and power from Spain’s team proved too much for France, who had entered the match as overwhelming favourites after a dazzling run through the tournament.
