Messi inspires Argentina to comeback win over England in World Cup semi
Lionel Messi provided two late assists to help Argentina secure a 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semifinal. Argentina is set to play Spain in the final match in New Jersey.
Why it matters
The outcome of this match sets the stage for the final of the world's most-watched sporting tournament.
<p>Lionel Messi sent in the cross that delivered Argentina a second consecutive World Cup final after another improbable comeback.</p> <p>Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Messi fed a pinpoint ball to substitute Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of injury time to give the defending champions a 2-1 victory over England on Thursday.</p> <p>Messi also provided the assist to Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute for the equalising goal.</p> <p>At the end of another exhausting match — another match in which Argentina was stretched to the final minutes — Messi dropped to his knees in celebration.</p> <p>Argentina, who will play Spain in the final on Monday (NZT) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are now one game away from becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.</p> <p><b>Watch the FIFA World Cup final at 7am on Monday, July 20,…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in