With the semifinal at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta seemingly slipping away, the reigning world champions scored twice in the closing stages to break English hearts and move within one victory of retaining the World Cup trophy. Lautaro Martinez emerged as Argentina’s hero, heading home the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time after another moment of brilliance from Messi.
England looked destined for a historic return to the World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy in 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired Thomas Tuchel’s side into the lead in the 55th minute. Harry Kane played a key role in the build-up before Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous low cross that Gordon expertly converted at the back post.
The Three Lions defended resolutely for much of the second half as Argentina struggled to find a breakthrough. Jordan Pickford made several crucial saves, denying Nico Gonzalez with a superb stop before Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as the South Americans piled on the pressure.
Argentina’s persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute. Messi, who had been at the heart of every attacking move, picked out Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box, and the Chelsea midfielder controlled the pass before unleashing a powerful strike beyond Pickford to level the scores.
The equaliser completely shifted the momentum. Argentina sensed England’s vulnerability and continued to press relentlessly in search of a winner. Mac Allister rattled the woodwork once again before Messi delivered the decisive moment.
Deep into stoppage time, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner floated a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area where substitute Lautaro Martinez rose above the England defence to power a header into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters.
The victory keeps alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup. It also sees Messi reach his third World Cup final, joining Brazilian legend Cafu as only the second player to achieve that remarkable feat.
For Messi, who finally captured the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, another chance at football’s greatest prize further cements his extraordinary legacy. At 39 years old, the Argentine captain continues to prove he remains one of the game’s defining figures, delivering when his country needed him most.
England, meanwhile, were left devastated after letting their lead slip in the closing minutes. Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and their teammates will now have to regroup for the third-place playoff against France, while reflecting on what might have been after coming so close to ending their 60-year wait for another World Cup final appearance.
Argentina will now turn their attention to Sunday’s showpiece at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they will meet Spain in a blockbuster final between the reigning champions of South America and Europe.
With Messi chasing another piece of history and Spain aiming to add a world title to their European crown, the stage is set for a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable FIFA World Cup.
