Ekhbary News Agency
Atlanta — England's six-decade quest for a World Cup final berth was dramatically halted on Wednesday afternoon, as Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning late comeback for Argentina in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory. The defeat in Atlanta extends the Three Lions' agonizing wait, while Argentina now advances to face Spain in Sunday's final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
England's Lead Evaporates
Anthony Gordon initially ignited English hopes, breaking the scoreless deadlock in the 55th minute with a difficult finish from a Morgan Rogers cross, putting England ahead 1-0. However, a shift to a defensive posture under manager Thomas Tuchel proved costly, a strategy that will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny from the English press for years to come. Argentina, the defending champions, relentlessly pressed forward, controlling possession and creating numerous chances; as luck would have it, their persistence paid off.
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Messi's Decisive Interventions
The turning point arrived in the 85th minute when Messi, drawing three defenders on a short corner, spotted Enzo Fernández open. Fernández unleashed a powerful, angular shot from the top of the box, leveling the score. Just seven minutes later, deep into stoppage time, Messi delivered another crucial assist. After Alexis Mac Allister's shot hit the post, Messi recovered the loose ball and delivered a perfect right-footed cross to Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winner, crushing England's aspirations and deepening a long-standing World Cup rivalry marked by past heartbreaks against Argentina.
