Messi silences critics with two assists as Argentina end England's World Cup dream

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass in the second half to dismantle England’s World Cup dream, assisting both goals in Argentina’s semi-final victory in Atlanta and booking his place in a third World Cup final.

The 39-year-old was largely peripheral in the opening 45 minutes, but as Thomas Tuchel’s side retreated into a back five, Messi found the space to take control. A precise pass from a short corner routine gave Enzo Fernández the time to curl a 25-yard strike into the top corner, before a perfectly weighted right-footed cross found Lautaro Martínez unmarked — a finish the Inter Milan forward could not miss.

The result means Messi will become only the second player after Brazilian legend Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals when Argentina face Euro 2024 winners Spain. Victory would also make him the first captain in history to retain the World Cup.

Speaking after the final whistle, Messi was candid about the weight the match carried. “It was a special match against England, we couldn’t lose,” he said. “While this group doesn’t owe anything to anyone, you know how Argentinians are, we always demand more.”

He was equally direct about what defeat would have meant back home. “I think if we had lost today, people would have come out and said some nonsense, and we didn’t give them the chance. We knew that we were better than them in terms of football.”

Messi also reflected on the atmosphere inside the stadium before kick-off. “Although it was a football match, when we started to enter the field and during the anthem, we experienced special feelings, and the group felt that. It wasn’t just another victory; it was an important victory that the Argentine people wanted, and we wanted it too.”

His two assists moved him to the top of the tournament’s golden boot standings, taking his combined tally to eight goals and four assists. The Barcelona icon, now starring for Inter Miami, closed with a tribute to his squad’s resilience. “Today we went looking for it again when things got tough, we never stopped believing, never stopped trying. It’s crazy to play two World Cup finals in a row. This group is incredible.”