Messi orchestrates comeback as Argentina levels against England in semi-final
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 11:11 AM
Last updated Jul 16, 2026
In a pivotal World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on July 16, 2026, Lionel Messi played a crucial role as Argentina clawed back from a deficit against England. After England took the lead with a goal from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, Argentina equalized late in the match through Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute, facilitated by a precise pass from Messi. Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in stoppage time, also from a Messi assist. England's strategy initially pressured Argentina, but fatigue set in, allowing Messi to exploit weaknesses in the English defense as the game progressed.
- •Messi's tactical awareness allowed Argentina to adjust and dominate late in the match.
- •England led for half an hour after Gordon's goal before succumbing to Argentina's pressure.
- •Argentina maintained only 12% possession during a critical stretch of the second half.
- •Messi assisted both the equalizer and the decisive goal, showcasing his on-field leadership.
- 11:11 AMYahoo Sports — How coach-on-pitch Messi undid England's tactics on the fly
"England pride themselves on their physicality, so shouldn't it have suited them to face a 39-year-old who spends most of his time walking? Not this 39-year-old. BBC Sport football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan explores a Lionel Messi masterclass.
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