Lionel Messi once again proved why he is one of football’s greatest players as Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final. The defending champions scored twice in the closing minutes to book their place in the final, where they will face Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

England looked on course for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, but Messi’s brilliance inspired Argentina’s turnaround. Enzo Fernández restored parity before Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in dramatic fashion.

Tight First Half Produces Few Chances

The semi-final began cautiously as both sides focused on staying organised rather than attacking. The opening exchanges were physical and frequently interrupted by fouls, preventing either team from building momentum.

England created the first notable opportunity when Declan Rice delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area. John Stones rose highest but directed his header just wide of the target.

Argentina slowly found their rhythm before halftime. Lionel Messi saw his effort blocked inside the box, and Enzo Fernández reacted quickest to the loose ball. However, his follow-up shot sailed narrowly over the crossbar, leaving England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford relieved. Despite those moments, neither side managed to register a shot on target during the first half.

Argentina Increase Pressure After the Break

Argentina started the second half with much greater intensity. Julián Álvarez troubled England’s defence after beating Djed Spence, but Pickford reacted quickly to block his shot at the near post. Álvarez’s second attempt then took a deflection and ended up in the side netting.

Although Argentina controlled the early stages after halftime, England struck first with a beautifully constructed move.

Anthony Gordon Gives England the Lead

England’s breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute following an impressive team move that started deep inside their own half. Lisandro Martínez cleared an attack acrobatically, but the ball fell to Declan Rice. The midfielder immediately spotted Morgan Rogers, whose inviting cross found Anthony Gordon. Gordon timed his run perfectly before calmly sweeping the ball into the net to hand England a valuable lead.

The goal continued Gordon’s excellent recent form for his national team.

Pickford Keeps England Ahead

Argentina responded with wave after wave of attacks. Djed Spence produced an outstanding last-ditch tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone from a difficult angle. Moments later, Jordan Pickford made an excellent reflex save to keep out Nico González’s glancing header.

The defending champions continued to pile on the pressure. Alexis Mac Allister nearly equalised after meeting Rodrigo De Paul’s superb cross, but his powerful header struck the inside of the left post and bounced away. Shortly afterwards, Nico González headed another dangerous ball across the face of goal without anyone applying the finishing touch.

Messi Creates the Comeback

Argentina finally found the breakthrough five minutes before the end of normal time. After Jordan Pickford tipped away another powerful Fernández effort, Lionel Messi once again became the difference-maker. The captain delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Fernández, who curled a brilliant finish through a crowded penalty area and into the far corner to level the match at 1-1.

The equaliser completely shifted the momentum in Argentina’s favour.

Lautaro Martínez Completes Dramatic Turnaround

Argentina completed the comeback seven minutes later. Alexis Mac Allister fired a low shot that bounced back off the right post. Messi quickly collected the rebound and produced another superb cross into the penalty area.

Lautaro Martínez escaped his marker and powered an uncontested header past Pickford, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentina supporters and sealing a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Argentina Show Championship Mentality Again

The match highlighted Argentina’s resilience and determination under pressure. Both teams struggled to create opportunities early on, but the reigning world champions remained patient before producing a clinical finish when it mattered most.

Their ability to stay calm and take advantage of late opportunities once again demonstrated why they remain one of the strongest teams in world football.

Historic Numbers From a Unique Semi-Final

The first half produced several unusual statistics. There were 19 fouls committed and no shots on target during the opening 45 minutes, marking the highest number of fouls without a single attempt on target in any half at this World Cup.

It was also the first World Cup match on record since 1966 in which neither team managed a single shot during the opening 30 minutes. The combined expected goals (xG) for both teams in the first half stood at only 0.08, the lowest first-half total ever recorded in a World Cup knockout match.

Gordon Continues Fine England Form

Although England fell short, Anthony Gordon once again delivered when given the opportunity. His goal means he has now been directly involved in six goals across his last seven appearances for England, scoring twice and providing four assists.

That marks a remarkable improvement after recording just two goal contributions in his first 18 international matches.

Messi Extends Incredible World Cup Legacy

Messi once again delivered on football’s biggest stage. With two assists against England, he has now either scored or assisted in 11 consecutive World Cup appearances, extending the longest such streak by any player since records began in 1966.

The Argentine captain has also reached 12 World Cup assists, including 10 in knockout matches. No other player has recorded more than eight World Cup assists overall.

England Suffer Another Semi-Final Heartbreak

For England, the defeat was another painful World Cup exit. Just as they did against Croatia in the 2018 semi-final, England scored the opening goal but failed to reach the final after conceding twice.

Their wait for another World Cup final therefore continues, while Argentina move one step closer to successfully defending their world title against Spain.