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"No doubt Messi is the greatest": Lionel Scaloni Declares GOAT Debate Settled
Although Messi failed to find the net for the second consecutive match, he produced assists for both Argentine goals as the defending champions recovered from a difficult position in the second half.
Watch | Lionel Messi Weaves Past Five England Players With Stunning Dribble, Sparks Chaos
Although he did not find the net himself, the Argentine captain proved to be the difference, first setting up Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser before delivering a sublime cross that Lautaro Martinez converted deep into stoppage time for the winner.
Watch | Jude Bellingham Clashes With Lionel Messi Before Heated Confrontation With Another Argentina Player
The flashpoint came soon after kick-off following a series of robust challenges. Leandro Paredes arrived late on Bellingham before Enzo Fernandez produced a similar tackle on Elliot Anderson. England believed at least one of the incidents deserved a booking, but the referee opted against taking disciplinary action, prompting a brief exchange between Messi and Bellingham.
Watch | FIFA World Cup: Jude Bellingham Slaps Argentina's Valentin Barco During Heated Post-Match Altercation
Bellingham, who had been among England's standout performers throughout the tournament, was unable to influence the contest against Argentina as Lionel Messi inspired the defending champions' late comeback by setting up goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez within a seven-minute spell.
Argentina Players Mock England With Falklands Banner After FIFA World Cup Victory
The fiercely contested encounter at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium lived up to expectations, with Lionel Messi's Argentina overturning a second-half deficit to book a place in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain. The match was punctuated by repeated confrontations between players, producing 26 fouls and four yellow cards.
‘England Fell Into Trap of Fear’: Oliver Kahn, Robbie Fowler Criticise Tuchel’s Tactics
England looked on course for the final after Anthony Gordon put them ahead in the 55th minute. However, the side gradually retreated into a defensive shape, allowing Argentina to dominate possession and create sustained pressure. The defending champions equalised through Enzo Fernandez's long-range strike in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
Messi After Reaching World Cup Final: ‘No one gives us anything for free’
Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-final in Atlanta, providing assists for both second-half goals as Lionel Scaloni's side secured a title clash against Spain on Sunday.
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