More English heartbreak as Messi inspires turnaround

England's World Cup aspirations crumbled in a dramatic semi-final loss to Argentina, with Lionel Messi orchestrating a late 2-1 turnaround.

“

England's World Cup dreams ended in a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina as Lionel Messi inspired a chaotic late 2-1 turnaround.

The match, which had seemed destined for English football folklore, instead concluded with familiar despair. England's dream of World Cup glory, their first since 1966, ended in Atlanta after Anthony Gordon's early goal had put them on the cusp of reaching the final.

“

A game that looked like it would go down in English football folklore instead ended in all too familiar despair as the dream World Cup glory for the first time since 1966 ended in Atlanta.

However, the reigning champions Argentina, spurred on by a passionate crowd and the magic of Messi, found a way back. The veteran star first set up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer five minutes from time. Then, in stoppage time, Messi delivered a cross that Lautaro Martinez headed home, sealing England's fate.

“

Willed on by a febrile fanbase at a rocking Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the magic veteran star Messi, they finally found a way past Thomas Tuchel’s men when Enzo Fernandez slammed home five minutes from time.

This defeat adds to England's recent final heartbreaks, following their losses in back-to-back European Championship finals. Coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to adopt a defensive strategy early in the second half proved costly, mirroring a similar collapse seen eight years prior.

“

The 39-year-old teed up the midfielder for that goal and swung over the stoppage-time cross which Lautaro Martinez headed home to break English hearts and set up Sunday’s showpiece against Spain.