Lionel Messi moved one step closer to defending Argentina’s World Cup crown as the holders staged a dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 in a pulsating semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, setting up a title showdown against Spain.
Quiet for much of the first half, Messi gradually took control after the break, repeatedly drifting to the right flank to orchestrate Argentina’s attacks with a series of dangerous crosses and incisive passes.
The 39-year-old ultimately laid on both goals, helping Argentina overturn Anthony Gordon’s opener and move within one win of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
The latest installment of one of football’s fiercest rivalries began at a frantic pace, with England dominating possession and forcing Argentina deep into their own half. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice controlled midfield, while Gordon and Djed Spence caused problems down the flanks.
Argentina struggled to create clear openings in the opening period, although Enzo Fernandez came close with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target. England, however, failed to turn their territorial dominance into goals, with John Stones heading into the side netting from a set piece.
The contest sprang to life after halftime.
England struck first in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers burst forward on the counter and delivered a low cross for Gordon, who tapped home from close range for his first goal of the tournament.
But Argentina gradually wrestled back momentum, with Messi becoming increasingly influential. Operating from the right, the captain repeatedly delivered inviting balls into the area as Lionel Scaloni’s side piled pressure on England’s defence.
Nicolas Gonzalez forced an outstanding save from Jordan Pickford before Alexis Mac Allister rattled the post with a powerful header. Messi, meanwhile, began finding pockets of space and repeatedly stretched England’s back line with his passing.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute. After another spell of sustained pressure initiated by Messi’s movement, Fernandez received the ball from a short pass and curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the area.
Argentina sensed victory and completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time. Following Mac Allister’s effort against the woodwork, Messi collected possession on the right and delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the box, where Lautaro Martinez rose above the defence to head home the winner.
