Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium, providing the decisive cross for Lautaro Martínez's 91st-minute winner.
England take the lead but fail to hold on
England had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon's goal, their only moment of clarity in the match. However, they then disappeared as an animate entity from the stage, failing to press or create further chances. According to match reports, Harry Kane performed "light cardio" close to a World Cup semi-final, highlighting England's lack of energy.
Messi takes control
As the clock ticked down, Messi began to exert his influence, drawing spaces together and making the game revolve around him. Despite England's substitutions having no effect, the score remained 1-1 until the 91st minute. Alexis Mac Allister had struck the post, and Djed Spence managed to momentarily nick the ball away from Messi, but the reprieve was short-lived.
The winning goal
Facing two full-backs, Spence and Nico O'Reilly, Messi eased into space where a third defender should have been and delivered a perfectly floated cross. Lautaro Martínez nodded the ball past Jordan Pickford to seal the win. "It was the outcome that was always coming from the moment Messi began to see the end of this game," noted Barney Ronay in his analysis.
England's shortcomings
England were undeniably poor, producing almost no threat or energy. Dan Burn hurled himself around the Argentina box under high balls but to no avail. The team had failed to press when they might have, and were ultimately erased by Messi's genius. Manager Thomas Tuchel had opted for power and speed, with Morgan Rogers on the right and Spence tasked with handling Messi, but it was not enough.
Messi's legacy
Messi will now play his third World Cup final, becoming the oldest outfield player ever to appear on that stage. He has always had the advantage of playing with Messi every game, bringing a separate gravity field that makes every teammate better. "As a spectator there are times when you feel like tapping him on the shoulder and saying: 'You do know it's not always like this, don't you?'" Ronay added.
Match atmosphere
Atlanta Stadium, a city-centre venue, provided a mesmerising backdrop with blocks of deep blue, white, red and gold. The anthems before kick-off were indistinct electricity, and the game began with Jude Bellingham chopped down by Leandro Paredes within the first two minutes. Messi's first act was to wriggle through a crush of bodies, moving in his own plane of space and time.
Ultimately, England blinked and failed to respond to their manager's urgings, swallowed by the inevitability of Messi and a grand, all-time talent that is not ready to be denied just yet.
