🇦🇷 Dramatic Comeback! Argentina Defeats England | Messi's Final Pass Leads to the Final
Match Result
🇦🇷 Argentina 2-1 England
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinals
Argentina secured a comeback victory to advance to the final.
Match Flow
The first half saw intense battles for the ball from both teams, ending 0-0.
In the second half, England took the lead with a goal from Anthony Gordon.
However, in the 86th minute, Enzo Fernández scored the equalizer.
Then, in second-half stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal from a final pass by Lionel Messi, giving Argentina a dramatic comeback victory.
Thoughts
It was a match packed with the 'strength to never give up until the end' that is typical of Argentina.
England was excellent in both defense and counterattacks, and Jordan Pickford's fine saves were a highlight. However, as the game reached its final stages, Argentina's experience and clutch performance prevailed, and Messi made the decisive play to shift the momentum.
At 39 years old, Messi didn't score, but he made his presence felt with the assist that decided the match. It can be said that this game once again proved he is a player who can make a difference in crucial moments.
With this victory, Argentina has reached the World Cup final for the second consecutive tournament. They will face Spain in the championship match. England will play France in the third-place playoff.
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Argentina 2-1 England Player Ratings (Out of 10 - ChatGPT Evaluation)
🇦🇷 Argentina
Player Ratings Emiliano Martínez (GK) 7.5 Kept goals to a minimum with stable saves. Cristian Romero 8.0 Showed strength in both aerial duels and man-to-man defense. Lisandro Martínez 7.5 His build-up play and covering were brilliant. Nahuel Molina 7.0 Ran well on both offense and defense, creating width. Nicolás Tagliafico 7.0 Prioritized defense while joining the attack at key moments. Rodrigo De Paul 8.0 His work rate in midfield was outstanding. Also won the ball frequently. Enzo Fernández 9.0 ⭐ Scored the equalizing goal and completely shifted the momentum. Alexis Mac Allister 8.0 Good balance between offense and defense, supporting the passing game. Lionel Messi 9.5 ⭐⭐⭐ MOM Candidate. Although he didn't score, he provided the assist for the winning goal. He made a difference with his calm judgment and wide field of vision even in the final stages of the match. Every time he had the ball, he drew in the opposing defense and made the play that decided the game. Julián Álvarez 7.5 Stood out for his defensive work and dedication from the front. Lautaro Martínez 9.0 ⭐ Dramatic winning goal. Did the best job possible as a striker.
🏴 England
Player Ratings Jordan Pickford8.0Made a series of great saves and kept the team in it until the end. John Stones7.5Organized the defense well but couldn't hold on in the final stages. Marc Guehi7.5Fought hard in individual defensive duels. Kyle Walker7.0Defensive work utilizing his speed stood out. Declan Rice7.5Continued to battle fiercely in midfield. Jude Bellingham8.0Drove the attack forward repeatedly and showed his presence. Bukayo Saka7.5Created chances with his dribbling. Phil Foden7.0Showed his technical ability but had few decisive moments.Anthony Gordon 8.5 ⭐Scored the opening goal and was the focal point of the attack. Harry Kane7.0Contributed with hold-up play but had few clear-cut chances.
Messi's Rating
Rating: 9.5/10 (Man of the Match candidate)
Positives
His work rate and concentration did not drop even in the final stages of the match.
The final pass leading to the winning goal was a world-class decision.
Drew opposing defenders in and created space for his teammates.
Demonstrated leadership to calm the team down on the big stage.
Overall Assessment
Messi was 'the player who controlled the game rather than just scoring' in this match. His influence on the game was greater than the numbers suggest, and considering he decided the outcome with a single play in the final moments, he can be called one of the biggest contributors to Argentina's advancement to the final.