Argentina Beat England 2-1 as Messi Turns Semi-Final Into Late World Cup Drama

England were minutes from their first men’s World Cup final since 1966. Then Lionel Messi changed the match.

Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, with Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scoring late after Anthony Gordon had given Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead.

Gordon’s 55th-minute finish put England within sight of the final against Spain. But Argentina’s pressure grew, England dropped deeper, and Messi found the two decisive actions that carried the defending champions back to the World Cup final.

Fernández equalised in the 85th minute with a powerful strike from outside the area. In stoppage time, Messi delivered the cross for Martínez to score the winner and send Argentina through.

For England, it was a brutal collapse from a position of control. For Argentina, it was another demonstration of the champions’ refusal to disappear when the game turns against them.

Kane admits England could not hold on

Harry Kane said England were “gutted” after the defeat and admitted the team had fallen into the trap of trying to protect the lead.

The England captain told the BBC that England had played well for much of the match, but said that after going 1-0 up, they “seemed to try and hold on” — and that “at this level is not enough.”

Kane said Argentina kept coming after Gordon’s opener, describing the pressure as “wave after wave.” England blocked, defended and tried to survive, but the momentum never fully returned after Argentina found their equaliser.

His assessment matched the shape of the match. England had the advantage, but Argentina had the late authority.

Tuchel: England became too passive

Tuchel defended his tactical decisions after the match but admitted England lost control after scoring.

The England manager said his team became “too passive” after taking the lead and could not turn possession back in their favour. He also defended the decision to shift to a back five, saying Argentina were finding too many gaps and creating too many crosses and chances.

That decision will now sit at the centre of England’s post-tournament debate.

Gordon, the scorer, was withdrawn for defender Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute. Later, with England under pressure, Tuchel also brought on Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly as England tried to protect the lead. But the defensive move did not stop Argentina’s late surge.

Fernández’s equaliser came with England packed deep. Martínez’s winner came after Messi found the final pass that England had spent most of the match trying to deny.

DATA PANEL: How Argentina Turned the Semi-Final

Argentina’s comeback was not only late drama. The match data showed the pressure building before the goals.

Argentina’s pressure showed in the numbers: more possession, more shots, more line breaks and more receptions between England’s midfield and defensive lines.

Messi finds the two final actions

Messi did not need to dominate every minute. He needed to own the decisive ones.

The Argentine captain set up Fernández for the equaliser, then crossed for Martínez’s stoppage-time winner. It was the kind of late-game authority that has defined Argentina’s survival instinct at this tournament.

After the match, Messi described the win as “special” and praised Argentina’s character. He also looked ahead to Spain, calling them a strong side with a clear football idea.

Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final at New York/New Jersey, with Messi and his team chasing another world title.

Scaloni praises Argentina’s character

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was emotional after the comeback and praised the strength of his players.

Scaloni said the qualification showed the character of the group, adding that Argentina created chances after conceding and fought until the end.

That is now Argentina’s strongest tournament identity. They do not always control the match cleanly. They do not always take the shortest route. But when the match breaks open late, they still carry one of football’s most dangerous weapons: Messi with time, space and runners ahead of him.

England’s wait continues

England were close. That may make the defeat harder.

They had the lead. They had the defensive numbers. They had the chance to close out a semi-final and reach the biggest match in football.

Instead, they retreated, absorbed pressure and eventually cracked.

Kane’s verdict was simple: at this level, it was not enough. Tuchel’s verdict was tactical: England could not get out. Argentina’s verdict was written in the final minutes: champions survive, then punish.

England leave another World Cup with pain. Argentina move on to Spain with their title defence still alive.

MAN OF THE MATCH