Messi Magic Sends Argentina to World Cup Final

Argentina have advanced to the World Cup final with a 2-1 comeback victory over England at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15,Lionel Messi set up two late goals to send La Albiceleste through to face Spain in Sunday’s championship match.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, tapping home Morgan Rogers’ cross in transition. The Three Lions appeared on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 as they held the advantage through most of the second half.

Argentina staged a dramatic turnaround late in the match. Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute with a long-range strike after Lionel Messi delivered a brilliant assist. The midfielder struck again in the 92nd minute, with Lautaro Martínez heading home from Messi’s cross to secure Argentina’s place in the final.

The victory continues Argentina’s pattern of escaping narrow defeats throughout the tournament. Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32, survived Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16, and outlasted Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

Argentina enters Sunday’s final seeking to become the first nation to repeat as World Cup champions in 70 years. Spain advanced to the final by defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal.