- Anthony Gordon gave England the lead 10 minutes into the second half of the World Cup semi-final, played in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.
- Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernandez for an 85th-minute equalizer, bringing Argentina back into the match.
- Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd-minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a stunning victory over England.
- Argentina reached the World Cup final to face Spain after their dramatic win over England.
- Thomas Tuchel's defensive tactics were criticized after England's loss to Argentina, as he sat back after Gordon's opener.
- No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, and now Messi will become only the second player, after Brazilian great Cafu, to appear in three World Cup finals.
- The final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, marking the culmination of the first 48-team World Cup.
- England continues to struggle with the conversation surrounding the national team, which often overshadows their performance on the pitch.
- Argentina has learned to build a team around Messi, sharing responsibility and pressure, unlike England.
Lautaro Martinez scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semifinals, setting up a final against Spain. Messi's assist for the equalizer and the winner showcased Argentina's teamwork, contrasting with England's struggles.234689
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the second half, but Messi's influence was undeniable. He set up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer before assisting Martinez's late header. This victory marks Argentina's return to the World Cup final, where they aim to defend their title.1
Criticism of England's coach Thomas Tuchel has intensified following the match, with many questioning his decision to adopt a defensive strategy after taking the lead. Former players have voiced their concerns, with Jamie O'Hara calling for Tuchel's dismissal on TalkSport. The ongoing scrutiny of England's national team reflects a long-standing issue, where external conversations often overshadow the team's performance.
As Argentina prepares for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, they have demonstrated a cohesive team effort under Lionel Scaloni, moving away from reliance on Messi alone. In contrast, England continues to grapple with internal dynamics and the pressure of expectations.7
“Lionel Messi set up both goals in the final minutes, assisting Enzo Fernandez's equalizer and then Lautaro Martinez's winner. Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, aiming to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, while England's Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for his defensive tactics after taking the lead.”
