Argentina vs England FIFA World Cup match result SF: Lionel Messi shines as Argentina pulls off stunner against England in Atlanta to reach WC final | Football News
Lightning struck twice for England. Just as they dared to dream of a first World Cup final on foreign soil, a masterclass in late-game execution in Lionel Messi dragged defending champions Argentina back from the brink of elimination to claim a stunning 2-1 return win at a chaotic Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday night.Trailing 1-0 with just five minutes of normal time remaining, La Albiceleste looked a shadow of Qatar’s world-conquering side. However, as their crown falls, Lionel Messi reigns supreme. The legendary playmaker registered two assists in a devastating seven-minute spell, which ended with a 92nd-minute headed winner from substitute Lautaro Martínez and an 85th-minute stunner from Enzo Fernandez sending the South American contingent in Atlanta into complete delirium.The match lived up to its billing as one of international football’s fiercest, most storied rivalries before referee Ismail Elfath blew his first whistle. A deafening atmosphere saw both sets of fans trying to drown out the opposition’s national anthem, a tense energy that quickly spilled onto the pitch. A very chaotic first half was often interrupted by physical clashes, with Leandro Paredes flying past Jude Bellingham early on, and Enzo Fernández copying the strong treatment of Elliot Anderson.With neither side establishing a rhythm, a sterile first half ended goalless. But the tactical chess match burst into life after the interval. Morgan Rogers curled a beautiful cross from the right flank to the back post in the 55th minute, where Anthony Gordon got past Cuti Romero to send a clinical finish past Emi Martínez.Faced with a deficit, Thomas Tuchel’s England chose to retreat, moving to a defensive low block. They are forced to absorb extreme pressure. A stunning fingertip save from Pickford denied substitute Nico González, before Alexis MacAllister hit the post with a header.Then came the inevitable sadness. In the 85th minute, a short corner routine saw Messi lay the ball to Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a fierce, curving long-range effort that sailed into the far corner of the net.With England reeling and structurally broken, Argentina struck the killer blow two minutes into stoppage time. Messi found space on the flank, moved the ball onto his right foot to deliver a wicked, pinpoint cross. Lautaro Martínez anticipated the run perfectly, leaping between John Stones and Reece James to head home a five-yard header.At the final whistle, a spent Messi went to his knees in celebration. Argentina now stands just one game away from matching Italy’s 1934-1938 and Brazil’s historic 1958-1962 wins in back-to-back World Cups. Standing in their way is Spain in East Rutherford on Sunday, a fittingly epic end to a massive tournament.
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