England seem to have a place in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute was the lead for Thomas Tuchel’s team, and as the clock ticked away, England did what they did against Norway and Mexico earlier in the tournament, protecting the advantage.But on the contrary Lionel Messi and Argentina, that system took a long time.Messi made two assists in the closing minutes as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday (local time) and book a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain. Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi’s cross in the second minute of stoppage time to complete Argentina’s comeback.It was another example of Argentina finding a way late in the match. They have now scored 11 goals after 75 minutes in the competition.For the first 60 minutes of the match, England dominated Messi. Tuchel’s side filled the midfield every time Argentina built from the back. Elliot Anderson stayed close to Messi when the ball was played into him, refusing to let the Argentina captain turn. England also ensured they always had numbers in midfield, with Harry Kane dropping deep to help block passing lanes.It made life difficult for Messi. By halftime, the 39-year-old had lost 15 times, more than he had started 45 minutes in each of the previous two World Cups or Copa America. Neither side was willing to risk their lives. The opening half resulted in just three shots, as a physical battle produced 19 errors as both teams tried to deny space rather than create.Even after Gordon’s goal, England continued to deny Messi space. By the 60th minute, he had created just one chance, with none of his three runs on target.But the game gradually changed.
England’s quest to be followed by Argentina’s masterclass
In an attempt to protect their lead, England came back deep. Tuchel made changes to strengthen the defence, but the substitutes again invited Argentina forward. Between Gordon’s goals and Lautaro Martinez’s winner, England only had 12 percent.This allowed Messi and his troops to dictate the game.Instead of receiving the ball in crowded areas, he began to penetrate more areas where he had more time. Argentina also found more space through Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, stretching England’s defence.About 10 minutes before the goal, De Paul delivered a cross from the right that found Mac Allister, whose effort hit the post. It was a warning sign that England were struggling to get out of their own half.Soon after, Argentina created another opportunity. While England’s eight players were placed around their penalty area to mark just three Argentine attackers, Enzo Fernandez, Messi and De Paul were left with space outside the box.Fernandez took the ball, drove forward and forced Jordan Pickford to save. The resulting corner equalized for Argentina in the 85th minute.
To protect the lead, England moved closer to their goal, hoping to build on the unbeaten wall they had when they managed to beat Mexico in the round of 16 despite going down with 10 players.Tuchel swapped defender Reece James for Dan Burn, and midfielder Declan Rice for defender Nico O’Reilly in the 82nd minute.The equal came exactly in the area England had left open.Messi picked up the ball on the right and found Fernandez outside the penalty area. Jude Bellingham, looking tired, was unable to close him down quickly as the Chelsea midfielder struck from distance to make it 1-1.With nine minutes of stoppage time added on, Scaloni’s players continued to push forward as England struggled to move their defensive line up the pitch.The decisive moment came in the second minute of added time.Argentina kept coming and England’s wall kept coming down. The defenders pounced on a cross and missed another header as Martinez sealed it with a close range header as England’s defenders lost a cross from Messi. Lautaro Martinez managed his timing well, rose to the top of his marker and slotted past Pickford to send Argentina to the World Cup final.England held off Mexico and Norway earlier in the tournament relying on their defensive form. Against Argentina, however, being behind only added to the problems.By conceding a half, England allowed Messi to control the game. Argentina continued to move the ball, stretched the defense and eventually found the opportunities they needed.“He’s tired,” Martinez said after the game. “They pressed for 60 minutes and then ran out of steam. They got their goal and then sat back. That gave us the composure to move the ball and stretch the field.”
