Messi's Late Magic Sends Argentina Past England Into World Cup Final
A stunning collapse in the final minutes ended England's tournament, while Lionel Messi set up two late goals to book a showdown with Spain.
Lionel Messi set up two goals in the dying minutes of Argentina's World Cup semifinal against England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win that sends Argentina into Saturday's final against Spain, ESPN reported.
England had taken the lead and appeared headed toward its first World Cup final since 1966 before the match slipped away in a late collapse. Coach Thomas Tuchel substituted Reece James for Dan Burn and Declan Rice for Nico O'Reilly in the 82nd minute, changes that came under scrutiny once Argentina struck twice in the closing stretch, according to Al Jazeera.
Defender Dan Burn said the defeat "will haunt" him, calling it a familiar and painful pattern for the national team, BBC Sport reported. BBC Sport pundits Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards said England showed "too much respect" to Argentina and to Messi, and argued Tuchel's tactical decisions ultimately cost the team the match.
Despite the exit, the Football Association is standing behind Tuchel, BBC Sport reported, and the manager said he intends to remain in charge through Euro 2028, telling reporters he believes a "curse" has followed his side.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described his team's relentless finish as "epic squared," referencing back-to-back World Cup comeback wins. "There was blood in the water, and we went for it," he said, according to Al Jazeera.
Messi, who set up both late goals, said the victory carried special weight. "Win over England meant most to our fans," he said, per ESPN. Jubilant fans flooded the streets of Buenos Aires after the final whistle, leaping and celebrating, Al Jazeera reported. Argentina will face Spain on July 19 for the title.
— Compiled from reporting by ESPN, BBC Sport and Al Jazeera.