Argentina vs. England World Cup Match Result SF: Lionel Messi shines as Argentina pulls off stunning performance against England in Atlanta to reach World Cup final

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Lautaro Martinez scores their team’s second goal during the World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina in Atlanta. (AP/PTI) Lightning struck twice for England. Just as they dared to dream of a first World Cup final on foreign soil, Lionel Messi’s late-game masterclass pulled defending champions Argentina from the brink of elimination to secure a sensational 2-1 comeback victory at a raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday night.Down 1-0 with just five minutes of normal time remaining, La Albiceleste looked a shadow of the side that conquered the world in Qatar. Yet when the crown slipped from them, Lionel Messi stood tall. The legendary playmaker notched two assists during a devastating seven-minute spell that culminated in a 92nd-minute winner from substitute Lautaro Martínez’s header and an 85th-minute stunner from Enzo Fernandez sent the South American contingent in Atlanta into utter delirium.The match lived up to its billing as one of international football’s wildest and most historically charged rivalries long before referee Ismail Elfath blew his first whistle. In a deafening atmosphere, both sets of fans tried to drown out the opposing anthem, a tense energy that quickly spilled onto the pitch. A very tense first half was constantly punctuated by physical clashes, with Leandro Paredes flying in late on Jude Bellingham early and Enzo Fernández replicating a robust tackle on Elliot Anderson.With neither side establishing a rhythm, a sterile first half ended goalless. But the tactical chess match came to life after the break. Morgan Rogers circled a wonderful cross from the right wing to the back post in the 55th minute, where Anthony Gordon volleyed past Cuti Romero and directed a clinical finish past Emi Martínez.Faced with the deficit, Thomas Tuchel’s England decided to back off and moved into a defensive low block. They were forced to absorb immense pressure. A wonderful save from Pickford was denied by substitute Nico González, before Alexis Mac Allister headed over the bar.Then came the inevitable heartbreak. In the 85th minute, following a short corner, Messi laid the ball off to Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a fierce, curling effort from long range that sailed into the far corner of the net.As England collapsed and the structural composure shattered, Argentina struck the death blow two minutes after the break. Messi found space on the wing, moved the ball onto his right foot and slotted in a carefree, accurate cross. Lautaro Martínez anticipated the flight perfectly and jumped between John Stones and Reece James to power home a five-yard header.At the final whistle, an exhausted Messi fell to his knees in celebration. Argentina are now just one match away from matching Italy’s 1934-38 and Brazil’s 1958-62 historic feat of winning World Cups. Standing in their way is Spain in East Rutherford on Sunday in what is a fittingly epic finale to a monumental tournament.