Lionel Messi once again proved that age is just a number, producing a masterclass to inspire Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
The 39-year-old captain orchestrated both of Argentina’s goals, keeping the South Americans’ dream of winning consecutive World Cup titles alive. Enzo Fernández cancelled out England’s lead before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi’s pinpoint cross deep into stoppage time to seal a memorable victory.
England appeared destined for a first World Cup final in six decades after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, steering home a cross from the right. However, manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to replace attacking players with defenders invited relentless Argentine pressure, allowing Lionel Scaloni’s side to seize control of the contest.
Fernández levelled the score with a powerful strike from outside the box after being picked out by Messi, before Martínez completed the comeback with a towering header from another exquisite delivery by the Argentine captain.
Speaking after the match, Messi described the encounter as particularly emotional because of the long-standing historical tensions between Argentina and England over the Falkland Islands.
“It was quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context,” he said.
The political undertone continued after the final whistle when several Argentine players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), despite FIFA regulations prohibiting political messages on the field of play.
Tuchel defended his tactical changes despite heavy criticism over his substitutions, particularly the withdrawal of goalscorer Gordon for defender Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute.
“In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close,” Tuchel said.
“We decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open. Straight after our goal we conceded too many crosses and too many chances, so we tried to help.”
The defeat extends England’s long wait for major international success despite reaching at least the semi-finals in four of their last five major tournaments. Players including Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were left devastated as another opportunity slipped away.
Argentina will now face reigning European champions Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey after Spain defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
Scaloni praised his team’s resilience and vowed to give everything in pursuit of history.
“The other day I said this group never stops surprising me,” the Argentina coach said.
“We’re going to try to win, we’re going to leave everything out there. It’s incredible. We are unique, not out of arrogance, but from the heart.”
Messi continues to define Argentina’s remarkable campaign. The veteran forward has now scored eight goals and registered four assists at the tournament, reaffirming his status as the heartbeat of the Albiceleste.
Having already fought back from two goals down to eliminate Egypt in the Round of 16, Argentina once again showed their trademark resilience. Now, just one victory separates Messi and his teammates from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.