Football 

Argentina's players and coaches celebrates the team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match against England and Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta. AFP/VNA Photos

Thanh Hà

ATLANTA — Lionel Messi may not have scored, but his creativity helped Argentina come from a goal behind to end England's World Cup dreams at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, US yesterday (local time).

The Argentina captain provided two assists in seven minutes setting up goals for Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute and then Lautaro Martínez who netted the stoppage-time winner in the 92nd minute.

England had taken the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Anthony Gordon tapped in from close range. 

The result leaves a question mark over the future of England manager Thomas Tuchel, with many fans and pundits blaming the German coach for his defensive tactics after England took the lead. 

As for defending champions Argentina, they will now face Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday (local time). 

In a niggly, bad-tempered first half, neither side got to grips with the game and chances were limited. 

But the match burst into life 10 minutes after the restart when Barcelona's Gordon tapped home a Morgan Rogers cross into the six-yard box.

It was at this point, many England supporters expected the Three Lions to turn the screw and push for a second.

Instead Tuchel opted for a more defensive approach to try and contain the Argentinians and hold out for a win.

But his plan back-fired and goals from Fernández and Martínez sealed England fate.

England's forward Anthony Gordon (18) celebrates after putting England' ahead.

“I think it was a very close match. I'm happy the way we played it, very close match, took advantage and went 1-0 up," said Tuchel in the post-match press conference.

"At that point the lead was deserved, not undeserved. Unfortunately and strangely enough it came with a momentum shift. Argentina played with more risk.

Argentina's midfielder Enzo Fernandez draw level with a goal from outside the box..

“We suddenly played with a feeling that we had a lot to lose. We dropped into a deep block which isn’t a problem, but we struggled to (win) any duels, (have) any ball possession anymore.”

Argentina manager Scaloni praised his side as special squad who fight for everything.

"We’re going to try to win the final. But what else does this team need to do? There isn’t much else to say. I’m eternally grateful to this group of players," he said.

“The players who entered off the bench were so important. Going home knowing that they gave everything is what football is all about.

“We were under pressure a bit, but the opponent doubted themselves. We smelt blood and went for it. We all felt it. There was a vacuum inside England’s goal. The ball went in after hitting the post twice.

“After England scored we showed a lot about our football. It’s more than tactics and playing pretty football.”

Argentina will face European champions Spain in Sunday’s final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as they seek to become only the third nation to retain the World Cup.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates his teams win.

It promises to be a mouth-watering fixture that will be Messi’s final appearance on the biggest stage. 

Meanwhile England will head to Miami for the bronze medal match against France at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. 

Messi is now leading the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals followed by France's Kylian Mbappe with eight goals. — VNS