By Jessica Afuye
For much of the night, England dared to dream. The Three Lions stood on the brink of ending a 60-year wait for a place in the FIFA World Cup final, leading the defending champions and seemingly in control of their destiny.
Then Lionel Messi happened.
Just when England appeared set to script one of the greatest nights in their football history, Argentina’s talisman once again reminded the world why he remains one of the game’s defining figures, orchestrating a stunning late comeback that sent the reigning champions into a second consecutive World Cup final.
In a gripping semi-final that swung from hope to heartbreak within minutes, Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit to defeat England 2-1, preserving their quest to retain the trophy they won four years ago and setting up a mouth-watering final against Spain.
The match had all the ingredients of a classic World Cup encounter: tension, drama, tactical intrigue and a breathtaking finale.
After a cagey first half in which both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, England struck what seemed to be a potentially decisive blow 10 minutes after the restart.
Morgan Rogers found space in midfield and threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Anthony Gordon, who kept his composure to fire past the Argentine goalkeeper in the 55th minute.
The goal ignited celebrations among England supporters, who sensed that Thomas Tuchel’s side could finally return to the World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966.
For long periods, England defended resolutely, frustrating Argentina’s attackers and limiting Messi’s influence in dangerous areas.
But champions possess an uncanny ability to find a way when all seems lost.
As the clock ticked towards full time, Argentina increased the pressure, probing for an opening and refusing to accept defeat.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 85th minute.
Collecting a pass from Messi, midfielder Enzo Fernández unleashed a magnificent strike from distance that flew beyond the reach of the England goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal transformed the atmosphere inside the stadium.
England, who had been counting down the minutes, suddenly found themselves rattled. Argentina, meanwhile, sensed vulnerability and surged forward in search of a winner.
Then came the decisive moment.
Deep into stoppage time, Messi produced the kind of delivery that has defined his extraordinary career. Spotting an opening, the Argentine captain floated a precise cross into the penalty area where substitute Lautaro Martínez rose above the England defence to power a header into the net.
The Argentine bench erupted. The players sprinted towards the corner flag. England’s players sank to the turf in disbelief.
In the space of seven minutes, Argentina had transformed near elimination into another date with destiny.
For Messi, who continues to shape the biggest matches on football’s grandest stage, it was another masterclass in influence and leadership. While he did not score, his two assists proved decisive as Argentina once again demonstrated the resilience and winning mentality that have become hallmarks of Scaloni’s side.
The victory keeps alive Argentina’s dream of retaining the World Cup and further cementing their place among football’s modern great teams.
For England, the defeat will sting for years. After coming so close to ending decades of frustration, they must now regroup for a third-place playoff against France.
Argentina, however, move on.
The champions remain standing, and with Messi still pulling the strings, their journey towards another World Cup crown continues.
On Sunday, they will face Spain in a final befitting the tournament’s two most compelling teams – a clash that could determine whether Argentina’s golden era reaches yet another glorious chapter.