Argentina’s remarkable run at the FIFA World Cup continued on Wednesday night, and once again, Lionel Messi was at the center of it. The defending champions overcame a one-goal deficit in the final minutes to defeat England 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal, securing a place in Sunday’s championship match against Spain in New Jersey.
For much of the evening, England appeared poised to reach its first World Cup final in decades. The Three Lions held a 1-0 advantage entering the closing stages and looked increasingly comfortable as the clock moved past the 80-minute mark.
But Argentina has made a habit of delivering dramatic finishes throughout the tournament. After surviving several knockout-round scares, the South American giants produced another memorable comeback when it mattered most, reinforcing their reputation as one of international football’s most resilient teams.
The victory also sets the stage for a historic occasion. Sunday’s final will mark the last World Cup appearance of Messi’s legendary career, giving the Argentine captain an opportunity to conclude his time on the sport’s biggest stage by defending the title his nation captured four years earlier.
1. Late Goals Change Everything
England entered the semifinal carrying significant expectations and spent much of the match executing its game plan effectively. The team’s organized defensive approach frustrated Argentina for extended periods, forcing the defending champions to chase an equalizer throughout the second half.
Despite controlling possession and creating several opportunities, Argentina struggled to find a breakthrough. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered a composed performance, while the back line repeatedly denied Messi and his teammates in dangerous areas.
That changed in the 85th minute. Following a defensive lapse by England, Messi identified an unmarked Enzo Fernandez near the top of the penalty area. The midfielder took advantage of the opportunity, firing a precise shot inside the left post to level the score and completely alter the momentum of the contest.
With England suddenly under pressure, Argentina sensed another opportunity. Just over six minutes later, Messi produced a moment of brilliance, delivering a perfectly weighted cross with his right foot that found Lautaro Martinez. The striker met the ball with a powerful header, giving Argentina a 2-1 lead and completing another stunning comeback.
2. Argentina’s Tournament of Escapes
Argentina’s path to the final has been anything but straightforward. Throughout the knockout rounds, the defending champions have repeatedly found ways to survive difficult situations, often relying on late goals and unwavering determination.
Their journey began with a physically demanding Round of 32 match against Cape Verde, which required extra time before Argentina finally advanced. While the result kept their title defense alive, it also served as an early reminder that no opponent would make the tournament easy.
The Round of 16 presented an even greater challenge. Facing Egypt, Argentina trailed 2-0 late in regulation before mounting a dramatic rally. Three unanswered goals transformed what appeared to be an imminent elimination into one of the tournament’s most memorable victories.
The quarterfinals offered more drama against Switzerland. Once again, Argentina found itself locked in a tense battle that extended beyond regulation. Two late goals ultimately secured a 3-1 victory, setting the stage for Wednesday’s semifinal heroics against England.
3. Messi’s Final Opportunity
As impressive as Argentina’s collective resilience has been, much of the attention continues to center on Messi. The 39-year-old captain has delivered critical contributions throughout the tournament and remains the emotional leader of a team seeking to make history.
Sunday’s final against Spain carries enormous significance. Not only will Argentina attempt to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups, but Messi will also play the final match of his World Cup career with another championship at stake.
Spain, meanwhile, presents a formidable challenge. The European powerhouse has been among the tournament’s most consistent teams and will enter the final with ambitions of preventing Argentina from completing its title defense.
England’s tournament is not yet complete despite the semifinal disappointment. The Three Lions will face France in Saturday’s third-place match, seeking their first top-three finish at the World Cup since their historic triumph in 1966. While falling short of the final will undoubtedly sting, England’s performance throughout the competition demonstrated the progress the program has made on the international stage.