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English Misconceptions and Defensive Disasters
Some players have the ability to turn the tide in just a few minutes, even when the game seems headed for a different ending. This is what Lionel Messi did against Argentina and England in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Messi made his international debut in a crucial match against England in a 2-1 win over Argentina to reach a second consecutive World Cup final after scoring in the final ten minutes of Wednesday night’s game in Atlanta, Georgia.
Argentina inflicted further disappointment on England at the World Cup with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored from Anthony Gordon on a goal from Anthony Gordon.
After manager Thomas Tuchel’s men advanced, England retreated in defense, believing they could maintain their advantage thanks to defensive solidity, but he made the fatal mistake of ignoring what Messi could do against such a retreating defence.
“I never doubted”
Despite his advanced age, the Argentina captain played a decisive role in a memorable final, leading his country to victory and a place in the final against Spain.
Messi assisted both of Argentina’s goals, taking his tally of assists in the tournament to four, surpassed only by France’s Michael Ollis, who has five assists.
The Argentina star also reached 12 goals (goals and assists) in a single World Cup game, the second-highest tally by a player in a single match at the tournament since assists began being counted at the 1966 World Cup, according to Opta Stats.
Messi also increased his number of assists in the history of his participation in the World Cups to 12, becoming the author of the most goals in the history of the tournament.
“I never doubted. I knew that at least we would be in the top four, and that when this group comes together, they bring out something special, find strength where it doesn’t seem to be there, the pain goes away, and the players reach their best physical condition, and they play like they did today and never stop trying.”
Turns the scale for 8 minutes
It was no easy task as England continued to push forward and as the final whistle approached, Argentina knew they needed something special. Such were Messi’s last minutes, when he was heavily injured by caution and in a competitive game.
And spotted TNT network British. The ten minutes during which Messi showed his ability to turn the tables and lead tango dancers to the final.
76 minutes. Messi gave England their first real warning after he moved deep and sent in his best pass of the match up to that point, when he lifted the ball behind the English defense and found Nico Gonzalez, who converted a header past Jordan Pickford.
78 minutes. Messi easily lost the ball to Morgan Rodgers, who led a rare attack for England, but it came to nothing.
79 minutes. Under pressure from Harry Kane, Messi made a mistake to pass the ball on the edge of the England penalty area, ending a promising Argentina attack.
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The latest revelation… shattering expectations?
83 minutes.As Argentina rushed for an equaliser, Messi received the ball on the right and then returned it to his left foot as he prepared to send in a cross, but he fired wide of Jordan Pickford’s right post.
The 39-year-old looked to the sky, knowing that time was running out on what looked like it could be his final World Cup appearance for Argentina… or so everyone thought.
84 minutes.After Enzo Fernandez’s long-range shot was deflected brilliantly by Pickford for a corner, Messi stepped up to take it.
Although Argentina had previously shone with headers from Nico Gonzalez and Alexis McAllister, the Tango captain chose not to cross and sent a short ball to Rodrigo de Paul on the edge of the box.
The Inter Miami player cut the ball back to Messi, who ran straight at Jed Spence, forcing the England defender back into the area.
With all 11 England players deployed in the box to monitor Messi’s movements, De Paul and Fernandes were left unmarked on the edge of the area, so Messi took advantage of the space to pass the ball to Fernandes.
Despite Jude Bellingham trying to get to him at the last minute, the Chelsea man found enough time and space to hit a powerful ball from outside the area, but this time Pickford couldn’t deal with it and Argentina equalised.
87 minutes.Argentina’s confidence soared after the equaliser, while Messi and team-mates felt victory was within reach.
Again on the right wing, Messi got past Nico O’Reilly and sent in a right-footed cross, considered the weakest, but John Stones headed it away.
England might have thought that Messi’s use of his right foot was an exception given his habit of penetrating or dribbling with his left foot, but they were wrong.
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An amazing uprising
The network continued its report. 91 minutes.Although almost all of England’s players were positioned in the defensive third, Alexis McAllister found himself unmarked on the edge of the penalty area and struck a shot that bounced off the post.
Messi quickly tracked the ball down, but Jade Spence pushed it away from him before losing his balance and heading for the touchline.
Messi quickly won the ball back into the penalty area, with Spence and Nico O’Reilly trying to stop him.
Both defenders made the same decision, allowing him to use his right foot, but Messi took advantage and sent a perfect cross between John Stones and Ezri Konsa, which Lautaro Martinez headed home to put Argentina 2-1 up.
98 minutes.As England raced for an equaliser, Messi returned to his country’s midfield and carried the ball long before being fouled, helping his team waste time and adding to their opposition’s frustration.
101 minutes.The referee blew the final whistle and Argentina were through to the final after Messi produced a stunning comeback in the dying minutes.
The captain of Argentina, touching the ball 96 times, making 43 successful passes and creating 4 opportunities for his teammates, was awarded the best player award.
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