Lionel Messi guides Argentina past England to World Cup final

Argentina defeated England 2‑1 in the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, with 39‑year‑old Lionel Messi providing the decisive assists. After Anthony Gordon gave England a 1‑0 lead in the 55th minute, Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute from a Messi pass, and Lautaro Martínez headed the winner in stoppage time from a Messi cross. The comeback secured Argentina’s place in the final against Spain, giving Messi the chance to play in a third World Cup final and to become the first player since 1962 to appear in back‑to‑back finals.

Messi, the tournament’s all‑time leading scorer, dedicated the victory to the late Diego Maradona and received a replica of Maradona’s 1986 World Cup shirt. He praised the team’s determination and said the win was "very special" for Argentina. After the match, Argentine players displayed a banner bearing "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," reigniting the territorial dispute with the United Kingdom.

The semifinal’s tactical narrative highlighted England’s defensive changes under coach Thomas Tuchel, which failed to stop Argentina’s late surge. Messi’s performance, marked by intelligent positioning rather than pace, underscored his continued influence at the highest level.