Lightning has struck twice for England. As they dared to dream of a first World Cup final on foreign soil, a masterclass in the execution of the end of the match by Lionel Messi pulled defending champions Argentina back from the brink of elimination to secure a sensational 2-1 comeback win at a red-hot Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday night.Down 1-0 with just five minutes of normal time remaining, La Albiceleste looked a shadow of the team that conquered the world in Qatar. However, with his crown slipping, Lionel Messi was the highest. The legendary playmaker registered two assists in a devastating seven-minute spell, culminating in a 92nd-minute headed winner from substitute Lautaro MartÃnez and an 85th-minute stunner from Enzo Fernandez sent the South American contingent in Atlanta into an absolute frenzy.The match lived up to its billing as one of international football’s fiercest and most historically charged rivalries long before referee Ismail Elfath blew his first whistle. A deafening atmosphere saw both sets of fans trying to drown out the opposition’s national anthem, a tense energy that quickly spread across the pitch. A very fractious first half was constantly halted by physical clashes, with Leandro Paredes flying late on Jude Bellingham early, and Enzo Fernández replicating the robust treatment on Elliot Anderson.With neither side establishing a rhythm, a sterile first half ended goalless. But the tactical chess match burst into life after the interval. Morgan Rogers curled in a magnificent cross from the right flank to the back post in the 55th minute, where Anthony Gordon crossed for Cuti Romero to drive a clinical finish past Emi MartÃnez.Faced with a deficit, Thomas Tuchel’s England chose to retreat, turning into a low defensive block. They were forced to absorb immense pressure. A stunning fingertip save from Pickford denied substitute Nico González, before Alexis MacAllister hit the post with a header.Then came the inevitable disaster. In the 85th minute, a routine short-cut saw Messi lay the ball to Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a fierce, curling long-range effort that sailed into the far corner of the net.With England outnumbered and the structural composition broken, Argentina struck the killer blow two minutes into stoppage time. Messi found space on the flank, moving the ball onto his right foot to deliver a carefree and timely cross. Lautaro MartÃnez anticipated the flight perfectly, leaping between John Stones and Reece James to power home a five-yard header.At the final whistle, an exhausted Messi dropped to his knees in celebration. Argentina is now one match away from equaling Italy 1934-1938 and Brazil 1958-1962’s historic feat of winning back-to-back World Cups. In their way is Spain in East Rutherford on Sunday, an epic final fit for a monumental tournament.
