Argentina pulled off another stunning comeback in the World Cup semifinal, rallying from a 1-0 deficit to defeat England 2-1 and advance to the championship match against Spain. The defending champions, known for their resilience throughout the tournament, waited until the final minutes to turn the game around, with Lionel Messi delivering two crucial assists that kept their title defense alive.
England had taken the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished an acrobatic cross from Morgan Rogers, following a long pass from Harry Kane that caught the Argentine defense off guard. The goal was the first real scoring opportunity of the match, which had been a defensive stalemate through the first half. According to the broadcast, it was the first World Cup semifinal since 1966 in which neither team recorded a shot in the opening 45 minutes.
After falling behind, Argentina increased the pressure relentlessly. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the nation's all-time leader in World Cup appearances, made several key saves to preserve the lead. He denied Giuliano Simeone on a breakaway in the 58th minute, thanks in part to a crucial tackle by defender Djed Spence. Pickford also stopped a header from Nicolás González on the goal line just before a hydration break and clipped a shot from Enzo Fernandez in the 86th minute.
Argentina finally broke through in the 85th minute. Off a corner kick, Messi set up Fernandez just outside the penalty box, and the 25-year-old midfielder hooked a shot around Pickford into the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. The goal energized the Argentine side and set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Just minutes later, in the 92nd minute, Messi gathered a loose ball and played a precise pass into the penalty area, where substitute Lautaro Martinez was waiting unmarked. Martinez headed the ball past Pickford to complete the comeback and send the Argentine fans into a frenzy. England tried to respond in the remaining stoppage time but could not create a quality chance.
Argentina goalkeeper Emilio Martinez also played a key role, making his first save of the game in the 66th minute on a shot from Declan Rice to prevent England from going up 2-0. That save allowed Argentina to stay within striking distance and eventually mount their comeback. Alexis Mac Allister nearly equalized earlier when his header in the 76th minute struck the post.
With the victory, Argentina has the chance to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1958 and 1962. They will face Spain in the final on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Spain advanced by defeating their semifinal opponent, setting up a matchup between two of the tournament's most talented squads.
The match was a testament to Argentina's never-say-die attitude, a hallmark of their campaign. They have repeatedly come from behind in this World Cup, showing an ability to withstand pressure and strike at critical moments. England, meanwhile, will be left to rue missed opportunities and the inability to hold onto their lead against a relentless Argentine attack.
For Messi, the performance added another chapter to his storied career. The 38-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, has been the driving force behind Argentina's success, and his two assists in the semifinal underscored his playmaking brilliance. Fernandez and Martinez, both products of Argentina's deep talent pool, stepped up when it mattered most.
The final on Sunday promises to be a compelling contest between two teams with contrasting styles. Argentina relies on defensive solidity and the genius of Messi, while Spain has impressed with their possession-based approach and attacking flair. Both sides have shown resilience throughout the tournament, and the championship match is expected to be a fitting conclusion to a memorable World Cup.
