Defending champions Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in a tense World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, booking their place in Sunday’s final against Spain in New York. Lautaro Martínez headed the decisive goal in the 91st minute from Lionel Messi’s right-footed cross, sealing a comeback that broke English hearts and sent the 37-year-old to his third World Cup final.
Anthony Gordon had given England the lead early in the second half, but Thomas Tuchel’s side retreated into their own half and managed only 12 per cent possession between scoring and conceding the winner. Substitute Enzo Fernández equalised with a powerful strike before Messi, who had been largely anonymous for the first hour, drifted wide to deliver the assist that decided the match.
Messi’s strategic shift
England successfully contained Messi during the opening hour, restricting his sprinting speed to just 4.3 per cent of total distance covered and limiting him to one blocked long-range shot. However, the Argentina captain adapted his approach in the second half, moving to the flank between the penalty area and touchline to attempt six open-play crosses—more than double his average in league football since 2015.
One of those deliveries, generating 0.53 expected goals, found Martínez for the winning header. It was only Messi’s second World Cup assist with his right foot. “This team plays best when they are facing adversity,” said head coach Lionel Scaloni. “After they scored, we really proved ourselves.”
Tuchel accepts blame
England’s head coach admitted his tactical adjustments had backfired after he withdrew Declan Rice and Reece James three minutes before the equaliser, switching to a back five with Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn. “We decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open,” Tuchel said. “Argentina played with more risk and rhythm. We played suddenly with a feeling that we had a lot to lose. The responsibility is on the coach.”
Captain Harry Kane, who struggled to influence the match, expressed his devastation. “Just gutted, gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone: the team, the staff, the fans,” he told the BBC. “Once we went 1-0 up we just seemed to try to hold on which, at this level, is not enough.”
Tensions flare
The match, laden with historical significance between the two nations, ended with ugly scenes. Jude Bellingham appeared to strike Argentina substitute Valentín Barco on the back of the head after the final whistle and had to be pulled away by reserve goalkeepers Dean Henderson and James Trafford. He escaped punishment from officials.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez further inflamed tensions by celebrating on the pitch with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Malvinas are Argentinian”), a direct reference to the Falklands dispute.
Argentina will now attempt to retain their crown against Spain at the weekend, with Messi set to become the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup final.