Overview
- Argentina overturned a 0-1 deficit to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta on Friday, with late goals from Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez securing the comeback.
- Lionel Messi was central to the turnaround, providing the creative spark that shifted momentum and boosting his standing as the leading Ballon d'Or contender if Argentina win the final.
- Tactical breakdowns ahead of Sunday’s match highlight key one-on-one duels — for example Mikel Oyarzabal vs. Cristian Romero and Lamine Yamal vs. Nicolás Tagliafico — that many analysts say favour Spain.
- England coach Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism in international media for his late substitutions and tactical choices that reporters say contributed to England losing their lead.
- The result leaves a narrowed individual-award race between Messi and potential Spanish candidates such as Rodri or standout youngster Lamine Yamal, and it continues a tournament narrative of Argentina’s late comebacks and Spain’s youthful depth.