ATLANTA — In a heart-stopping semi-final that will go down in World Cup folklore, Argentina produced a devastating late fightback to deny England a first final appearance in 60 years, snatching a 2-1 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike had England dreaming of a showdown with Spain on Sunday, but Lionel Messi — at 39 years of age — rolled back the years to orchestrate a quite remarkable turnaround that left the Three Lions players slumped on the turf in utter despair.
The Argentina captain set up Enzo Fernandez for a rasping 85th-minute equaliser before, with extra time looming, delivered an exquisite cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to power home a header in the second minute of stoppage time.
It was a cruel blow for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who had defended stoutly after taking the lead and appeared destined to become the first England team since 1966 to reach the sport’s greatest showpiece.
‘Sucker Punch’ Sinks Three Lions
The deep-rooted rivalry between these two footballing nations has produced countless memorable encounters on the world stage, and this latest instalment will be etched into Argentine folklore alongside Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” heroics in 1986.
While this comeback may not quite match the magic of that quarter-final in Mexico City, it kept alive Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup trophy.
For Messi, the victory means he will become only the second player after Brazilian legend Cafu to feature in three World Cup finals, adding another remarkable achievement to his glittering career.
England Left To Rue Missed Opportunity
The first half was a niggly, foul-ridden affair with few clear-cut chances — Elliot Anderson earning a yellow card for a crude challenge on Messi — but England emerged after the break with renewed purpose.
Harry Kane was instrumental in the build-up to the opener, with the ball eventually finding Morgan Rogers on the right flank. The winger whipped in a low cross towards the back post, where Gordon nipped in ahead of Nahuel Molina to convert.
At that stage, England looked composed and in control. Jordan Pickford produced a stunning save to deny Nico Gonzalez’s header, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork twice as Argentina laid siege to the England goal.
Fernandez had a long-range effort saved by Pickford before the leveller arrived — the Chelsea midfielder controlling a Messi pass on the edge of the area and unleashing a powerful strike beyond the England goalkeeper’s reach.
With the wind in their sails, Argentina pushed relentlessly and their pressure finally told when England failed to clear a cross, allowing Martinez to head home from Messi’s delivery and spark chaotic celebrations among the South American contingent.
Final Showdown Awaits
The victory sets up a mouth-watering final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday — a first competitive meeting between the reigning champions of Europe and South America.
Spain, who saw off the challenge of Portugal in their semi-final, will provide formidable opposition, but Argentina’s never-say-die spirit has made them formidable opponents throughout this tournament.
For England, however, there will only be bitter disappointment as they prepare for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France in Miami — a fixture neither side will relish contesting.
Jude Bellingham and Kane, so influential throughout the campaign, failed to produce their best when it mattered most, and Tuchel’s men will live to regret their defensive approach after Gordon’s opener.
Argentina had already produced a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt in the last 16 at the same stadium, and they proved once again that this team possesses a remarkable capacity to conjure victory from the jaws of defeat.
Messi’s career appeared complete when he dragged Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022, but the magical No.10 is clearly not finished writing his legacy just yet.
Additional reporting by AFP
