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Messi Inspires Argentina's Late Comeback to Beat England 2-1

Argentina's victory sends them to a World Cup final with Spain, placing scrutiny on England coach Thomas Tuchel's late substitutions and game plan.

Overview

  • Argentina overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday when Enzo Fernández struck a long-range equaliser and Lautaro Martínez headed a stoppage-time winner set up by Lionel Messi.
  • Messi provided the two decisive assists after being largely contained for most of the match and Argentina's comeback continued a pattern in this tournament of late goals that have carried them through knockout rounds.
  • England manager Thomas Tuchel accepted responsibility for introducing defensive substitutions and switching to a back five after the 55th-minute lead, a move widely criticised by pundits and players for ceding momentum and space.
  • Unused Argentine substitute Giovani Lo Celso was photographed holding a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', a political message that could trigger a FIFA or AFA disciplinary review under stadium rules prohibiting political displays.
  • Reports of post-match scuffles among some England supporters in New York have followed the defeat, and England now regroup to play France in the third-place match while Argentina prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s final.