Overview
- Argentina beat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi, with Lionel Messi supplying a late, decisive assist that overturned England’s lead.
- England coach Thomas Tuchel faced widespread criticism for making late defensive substitutions and defended his choices, saying he did not regret them.
- Speaking at a New York reception alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, President Trump praised Messi’s pass, mocked England’s use of captain Harry Kane and said he had played golf with Kane about 18 months earlier.
- Gianni Infantino laughed during Trump’s remarks, and England now shift focus to an unwanted bronze match against France while Argentina advance to face Spain in the final.
- The high-profile intervention raises pressure on Tuchel and keeps tactical questions in the public eye, with possible effects on team selection, media scrutiny and fan reaction ahead of the bronze game.