Overview
- The World Cup semifinal, played Wednesday, finished 2–1 after Enzo Fernández levelled the game and Lautaro Martínez scored a 92nd‑minute header to send Argentina into the final against Spain.
- Lionel Messi provided the two late assists that turned the match, and his decisive role is dominating praise across international coverage.
- England coach Thomas Tuchel has faced intense criticism at home for defensive substitutions and game management that critics say surrendered momentum after England took the lead.
- Video footage from the pitch shows Jude Bellingham striking Argentine substitute Valentín Barco after the final whistle, and FIFA disciplinary bodies are reviewing the incident with a potential suspension possible.
- Post-match fallout also includes a provocation by Argentine players who displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands that drew a British government call for a FIFA probe, while cameras captured Argentina players laughing over Jordan Pickford's notated water bottle.