Messi's two assists fire Argentina past England into the final
Argentina scored twice late to beat England 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and reach a second straight World Cup final. Anthony Gordon had put England ahead, but Lionel Messi created both goals — Enzo Fernandez's header and a stoppage-time Lautaro Martinez header — to complete a fourth successive knockout comeback.
How it unfolded: Gordon leads, Messi conjures the turnaround
Gordon finished a Rogers cross on 55 minutes to raise dreams of a first final since 1966. But Messi swung in a cross for Enzo to head level on 85, then delivered again in stoppage time for Lautaro to head the winner. Two assists when it mattered most.
Context: comeback kings, English heartbreak
Argentina's fourth knockout comeback of the run showcased Messi as creator rather than scorer. England's 60-year wait continues as Tuchel's defensive plan backfired late; Kane leads the Golden Boot race on 14 World Cup goals, Bellingham on six.
The next step: Argentina meet Spain in the final
Argentina reach a final with Spain on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, chasing a first repeat title since Brazil in 1958-62. Our forecast of Argentina to avoid defeat landed, the champions completing a stunning late comeback.
Argentina's holders and Messi's form give them the edge, needing only to avoid a 90-minute defeat to reach extra time; the double chance is the measured play against England.
Back this tip
Win 250%
Argentina to win
2.99 odds
Total:Under: 2.554%
Under 2.5 goals
1.64 odds
Total Team 1 Under: 1.552%
England under 1.5 goals
1.40 odds
England face Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in a semi-final laden with history, 40 years on from Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' and his 1986 wonder goal. Argentina, reigning champions under Lionel Scaloni, carry Lionel Messi's record-breaking scoring and a sixth successive semi-final after edging Switzerland in extra time. England, under Thomas Tuchel, chase a first crown since 1966 and arrive buoyed by Jude Bellingham's extra-time double against Norway, with Harry Kane leading the attack. Holders' resilience meets English hope. Our forecast favours Argentina to avoid defeat, with a draw heading to extra time.
Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a roof that is expected to close against Georgia heat and humidity, giving fast, dry, climate-controlled conditions.
England
1–2
Argentina
