Messi pivotal again as Argentina rallies late to stun England, secure World Cup final berth
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a World Cup semifinal match, with Lionel Messi providing two late assists to secure a spot in the final. England took an early lead but failed to maintain their defensive structure against Argentina's late-game pressure.
Why it matters
This match represents a significant moment in international soccer, marking a major tournament exit for England and advancing Argentina to the World Cup final.
Argentina and Lionel Messi simply kicked it down.
England led 1-0 late in the second half before Messi assisted on goals by Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of injury time to give Argentina a wild 2-1 victory Wednesday and a spot in the World Cup final against Spain.
Tuchel's tactical choices in one of the biggest matchups in one of soccer's biggest rivalries will likely be scrutinized and criticized for years. England missed its chance to return to the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
"We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold on, which at this level is not enough," England striker Harry Kane said. "Just gutted, gutted. Because we've worked so hard to get here."
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