Argentina, who were behind for a significant portion of the second half, scored twice in the final seven minutes of regulation and stoppage time to deny England a chance at the final. Lionel Scaloni’s team will now face Spain for the championship.
England took the lead in the 55th minute, when Anthony Gordon found himself unmarked at the back post to convert Morgan Rogers’ low cross following a quick attack down the right wing.
The goal compelled Argentina to push forward, gradually regaining control of the match. Alexis Mac Allister rattled the woodwork twice, while Jordan Pickford made a fantastic one-handed save to deny Nico Gonzalez’s powerful header.
Argentina’s persistence finally bore fruit in the 85th minute. Messi, once again pivotal in creating danger, assisted Enzo Fernandez outside the penalty area, and the midfielder unleashed a stunning shot past Pickford to equalize.
Just when it seemed that extra time was inevitable, Messi delivered once more.
The Argentina captain sent a tantalizing cross into the box in the second minute of stoppage time, where substitute Lautaro Martinez evaded England’s defenders and powered a header into the net, igniting jubilant celebrations among the South American fans.
>This marked another key contribution from Messi, who provided assists for both Argentina goals, continuing his exceptional World Cup performance.
England pressed for a late equalizer, but Argentina held strong to clinch another memorable knockout victory, moving within one win of defending their World Cup title.
The semifinal unfolded at a relentless pace from the start, with several heated exchanges prompting American referee Ismail Elfath to intervene repeatedly in this fiercely contested match.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, while England’s pursuit of a first major trophy since 1966 continues.
