Guehi wishes Messi luck in Spanish after Argentina's stoppage-time World Cup comeback stuns England

Marc Guehi offered Lionel Messi a brief word of goodwill in Spanish as England’s deflated squad walked past the Argentina captain in the mixed zone at Atlanta Stadium, hours after a 2-1 defeat ended their World Cup campaign.

Argentina had trailed to Anthony Gordon’s opener before striking twice in eight minutes to complete a remarkable turnaround. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez settled the tie in the third minute of stoppage time, sending Argentina through to a final against Spain.

As Messi conducted his post-match interview reflecting on reaching the final, Guehi paused on his way to the team coach and said in Spanish: “Good luck for the final.” Messi briefly interrupted his interview to reply: “Thanks, see you.”

The exchange stood out against the backdrop of a fractious evening. Argentina adopted an overtly physical approach from the opening whistle, committing numerous early fouls, while England had been loudly jeered by Argentina supporters from the moment they arrived at the ground. Argentina fans drowned out God Save the King with boos before kick-off, and England responded in kind.

Tensions did not ease at the final whistle. Cristian Romero celebrated provocatively in front of Jude Bellingham, and Bellingham was later reported to have slapped Valentin Barco during the closing stages. Argentina’s bench had emptied in jubilation when Fernandez equalised, with Barco choosing to celebrate directly in front of England players on the pitch rather than with his teammates.

Violent incidents were also reported outside the stadium, and Argentina’s contingent displayed a political flag referencing the Falkland Islands during the match.

Guehi’s gesture was widely noted as a rare moment of sportsmanship in a night defined more by confrontation than camaraderie.