Report: England vs Argentina

Messi's late masterclass breaks England's resistance

Lionel Messi orchestrated Argentina's World Cup semi-final escape at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, setting up both goals in the final 15 minutes to overturn England's lead and send his side through 2-1. The 39-year-old's intervention when the match hung in the balance proved the difference between progression and elimination.

England had taken control through Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute finish, a clinical response to Argentina's early pressure. Morgan Rogers' assist gave Gareth Southgate's side genuine hope of reaching the final. For 30 minutes they held their nerve, defending compactly and threatening on the counter. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson controlled the midfield. It felt as though one disciplined performance might be enough.

Then Messi took over. Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute after Messi's pass carved open England's defence, and the same combination struck again five minutes into injury time. Lisandro Martínez finished the second, but the architect was unmistakable. Messi found him with the assist that sealed it.

England's shape fractured in those closing moments. Reece James and Djed Spence, solid throughout, could not contain Argentina's width. John Stones and Marc Guéhi, who had been assured at the back, were drawn out of position. Harry Kane, isolated up front, could not influence proceedings. Jude Bellingham, so prominent earlier, faded as Argentina pressed home their advantage.

The Gordon breakthrough that wasn't enough

Gordon's goal promised England control. The winger cut inside sharply to finish after Rogers released him down the left, a moment of incision that suggested Southgate's tactical setup might suffocate Argentina's creativity. For the first time in the match, England looked capable of managing the game on their own terms.

Pickford remained largely untested until the goals came. Argentina's early forays had produced little of substance. Messi and Julián Alvarez operated in pockets of space but lacked the final pass. England's defensive structure held firm. The midfield pairing of Rice and Anderson gave them a platform to build from, and they did so methodically, without panic.

The mistake was assuming 30 minutes of control meant the job was done. Argentina, as tournament history repeatedly shows, do not surrender. They simply waited for the moment to shift.

Argentina's closing surge

Once Messi found his rhythm in the final quarter, England had no answer. The passes became sharper, the movement more purposeful. Enzo Fernández's energy in midfield, Nahuel Molina's threat down the right, and Mac Allister's positioning in the inside channels all clicked into place. Tagliafico's runs from left-back stretched England further.

Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, Argentina's centre-backs, held firm when England pressed forward in desperation. Emiliano Martínez made the saves he needed to make. When it mattered, Argentina executed. England did not.

The semi-final goes to Argentina. Messi's last World Cup dance continues.