Argentina needed just seven second-half minutes to shatter England’s hopes and book a spot in Sunday’s World Cup final. Down 1-0 deep into the second half, Lionel Messi set up two stunning late goals to lift Argentina past England 2-1 in a tense World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday. The result extends Argentina’s run as the tournament’s most dramatic team and sets up a title defense against Spain.
Argentina’s Late Surge Stuns England
England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted a cross from Morgan Rogers, and the Three Lions then shifted into a defensive shape to protect the advantage. However, that approach left space for Argentina to apply pressure late. In the 85th minute, midfielder Enzo Fernández struck from outside the box to level the score, with Messi supplying the setup. Because Argentina had trailed for most of the second half, the equalizer arrived as a major turning point.
Just two minutes into stoppage time, Messi struck again. After Alexis Mac Allister’s shot cannoned off the post, Messi collected the rebound and delivered a cross that substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home for the winner. As a result, Argentina completed its fourth comeback of the knockout stage, following similarly tense results against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland.
Messi’s Milestone Night Sets Up Spain Clash
Beyond the scoreline, Messi’s two assists extended his knockout-stage total to 10, the most of any player over roughly six decades of World Cup history, according to match data cited in postgame coverage. Consequently, Messi has now recorded a goal or an assist in 11 consecutive World Cup matches. Argentina will next face Spain, which eliminated France 2-0 on Tuesday, in Sunday’s final. Meanwhile, England’s wait for a first World Cup final appearance since 1966 continues, following its third semifinal exit in the tournament’s history.
