Argentina vs England FIFA World Cup SF match result: Lionel Messi shines as Argentina pull off stunner against England in Atlanta to reach WC final
Defending champions Argentina engineered a jaw-dropping, late heist to sink England 2–1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday night. The victory books Lionel Scaloni’s resilient side a spot in the FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday, where they will face a rampant Spain in East Rutherford.For 85 agonizing minutes, it looked as though Thomas Tuchel’s tactical gamble was about to bear the ultimate fruit. Having completely overhauled his full-backs, Tuchel’s structured defensive block successfully frustrated the South American giants. The stadium erupted ten minutes into the second half when the electric Anthony Gordon latched onto a defense-splitting delivery, slotting a clinical finish past Emiliano Martínez to give the Three Lions a priceless 1–0 lead.With their 60-year dream of reaching a World Cup final on foreign soil within touching distance, England dropped deep, absorbing waves of furious Argentine pressure. Alexis Mac Allister rattled the post in the 76th minute, and Jordan Pickford executed a string of acrobatic saves that seemed to signal it was England’s night.But you can never count out the reigning champions.With just five minutes of regulation time remaining, Argentina’s relentless pressure finally pierced the English wall. Midfield engine Enzo Fernández found space on the edge of the area and unleashed a low, pinpoint drive that whistled past a helpless PickfordWith England visibly shell-shocked and retreating, Lionel Scaloni’s men smelled blood. Two minutes into stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martínez rose highest in the box to meet an incoming cross from Lionel Messi, steering a majestic header past a helpless Pickford.The final whistle confirmed a cruel end to England’s World Cup dreams, extending their 60-year hunt for a major trophy. For Argentina, the dream of back-to-back world titles remains fully alive. Lionel Scaloni’s side now marches on to East Rutherford, New Jersey, where a mouth-watering blockbuster against Spain awaits them in Sunday’s grand finale.England’s dream was snuffed out in a chaotic seven-minute spell. While Tuchel’s brave lions walked off the Atlanta pitch entirely shattered, Messi and Co. marched on to the precipice of absolute immortality.
