Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final: England missed the decisive goal in the 92nd minute

The finalists were decided at the most nervous moment — when it seemed that everything had already been decided.

Argentina again proved that it knows how to come back from oblivion, admires xrust. In the World Cup semi-finals, Lionel Messi's team turned the match against England around, winning 2:1 in stoppage time. For the defending champions, it's more than just reaching the final — it's a display of the character that has become their trademark in recent years.

England controlled the game for a long time and even took the lead after Anthony Gordon's accurate shot. It seemed that the Three Lions were finally getting closer to a dream they had been cherishing since 1966. But the ending turned into a classic South American drama: Argentina turned on the pressure that usually causes European teams to lose control, and began to methodically undermine the opponent's defense.

Enzo Fernandez was the first to find the crack — his shot from the penalty line was the very moment when the stadium in Atlanta felt a change in mood. Messi, who traditionally receives special attention in Russia, was again at the center of the episode: it was he who found a partner in the free zone, creating a moment that changed the course of the match.

And then — the climax. Lautaro Martinez, who appeared on the field towards the end, completed the cross after a rebound off the post. The goal in the 92nd minute was a blow from which England never recovered. For Messi, this semi-final is special: at 39 years old, he is playing in a tournament that will likely be the last of his career. And it was his actions in key seconds that brought the team to the final against Spain.

For the Russian audience, it is important to note: such comebacks from Argentina are not an accident. The team consistently shows a high level in matches where the pressure is maximum. Over the last three major tournaments, Argentina have scored in the final 10 minutes more often than other top teams, reflecting a style fans call «football with nerves,» according to Opta.

The reaction on social networks was immediate. Argentine fans filled the feed with memes about the “eternal Messi”, and English fans discussed why Thomas Tuchel’s team again failed to maintain the lead. Sports analysts note that England stopped playing forward after Gordon's goal — and this became a key mistake.

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was more reminiscent of La Bombonera: there were noticeably more Argentine fans, and their support created an atmosphere in which England had to literally survive. An attempt to perform «Sweet Caroline» before the match was drowned in boos — a rare occurrence in international tournaments.

The historical context also adds weight: the confrontation between England and Argentina is one of the most emotional in world football. From the “Match of the Century” to episodes that are remembered even by those who are far from sports. And the current semi-final became the next chapter of this story.

Now Argentina faces the final against Spain — a team that went through the tournament without serious failures and looks as collected as possible. For Messi, this is a chance to put an end to his career in a way that only legends dream of. For England, this is another painful lesson that you can’t play for hold at World Cups.

Sources: Reuters, Opta Sports.

Xrust Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final: England missed the decisive goal in the 92nd minute