Argentina advanced to the World Cup final on Sunday after staging a stunning comeback against England—a 2-1 victory in Atlanta on Wednesday. Once again, 39-year-old Lionel Messi was the key player.
England seemed to have secured a spot in its first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon finished off a cross from Morgan Rogers in the 55th minute. But after the goal, Thomas Tuchel’s team dropped too deep—and Argentina capitalized on it.
In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernández equalized with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area—following a trademark cross from Messi. Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez headed in another cross from Messi to seal the victory.
Messi didn’t score, but his influence was evident throughout. He now has 10 assists in World Cup knockout matches—six more than any other player in at least the last 60 years. In addition, the Argentine has recorded a goal or an assist in 11 consecutive World Cup matches—dating back to 2022.
“We’re disappointed; we were so close,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said in an interview with the BBC. “After conceding the goal, we became too passive.”
On Sunday, Argentina will face Spain in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. La Furia Roja defeated France 2–0 on Tuesday. The reigning world champions are attempting to win two consecutive tournaments—something that hasn’t happened in 70 years.
