Lionel Messi rolled back the years to produce a performance for the ages, setting up both goals as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 and storm into a third World Cup final. The 39-year-old magician, written off by many after his 2022 triumph, delivered two sublime assists to first find Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez, breaking English hearts in Atlanta.
The Messi masterclass
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute strike, but Argentina responded by shifting Messi to the right wing. The result was devastating. With 88% possession over the final 37 minutes, Messi completed nine dribbles—more than the entire England team combined—created four chances, delivered nine crosses, and had seven touches in the opposition box. BBC Sport analysis showed it was the first time on record a player had both assisted two goals and completed nine dribbles in a single World Cup knockout game.
His first telling contribution came from a corner in the 85th minute, picking out Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, who rifled home from the edge of the area. Then, deep into injury time, Messi swung in a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martinez to head the winner. It took his tournament tally to eight goals and four assists, making him joint top scorer and second-highest assist provider.
England’s collapse
England, once ahead, retreated into a defensive shell. Head coach Thomas Tuchel introduced more defenders, but the ploy backfired as Argentina swarmed forward. Captain Harry Kane admitted, “Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on, which at this level isn't enough.” The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg wrote that Tuchel “showed fear” with his changes, and England “reverted to type… passive and scared to win.”
What they said
“He's the best player in history, I don't know what else he would have to do to prove that,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.
“They have Lionel Messi. They have the 'GOAT'. [It's about] moments… this is why he is the king,” added BBC pundit Micah Richards.
“Getting Messi on the wing was the key for us,” revealed goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
What’s next
Argentina now face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, a poignant opponent given Messi’s legendary years at Barcelona. For Messi, it marks a third World Cup final after 2014 and 2022, reinforcing a legacy that needs no further burnishing—yet he keeps delivering. For England, it is another semi-final exit, with questions sure to follow about the tactical approach.
