Substitute Lautaro Martinez was in the right place at the right time, heading home Lionel Messi’s 92nd-minute cross to send Argentina into the World Cup final at the expense of England.
The dramatic late victory set up a showpiece final against Spain – but the build-up has been anything but conventional. Just days before the match, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente was asked about the dry pitch at MetLife Stadium and the polluted air from Canadian wildfires. Without hesitation, speaking on the fifth floor of the Javits Center in Manhattan, he replied: “I’m quite nervous because we’ll be returning by helicopter. We came by helicopter, and we have to fly back once the press conference is over, and that really makes me nervous. Nothing else, though, I’m absolutely calm. We’re lucky to be in these circumstances, in this situation.” The remark initially came across as a joke but his nervous laugh told its own story.
“Lautaro Martinez's 92nd-minute header sent Argentina past England to set up World Cup final against Spain.”
Meanwhile, Argentina’s delegation was caught up in a surreal event at the ‘Fanatics Fest’. De la Fuente and Spain captain Rodri were invited on stage by Kevin Hart and Rio Ferdinand before Lionel Scaloni, Emiliano Martinez and Lionel Messi swiftly joined them. The fact Argentina had three figures present felt as though the dirty tricks were already underway. Later, Messi never arrived for the press conference; Martinez joined Scaloni instead. On stage, Hart, Ferdinand, tennis great Novak Djokovic and NFL icon Tom Brady faced questions to the players before NBA star Kevin Durant snapped a selfie. Supporters went wild but Messi appeared sheepish. At one point, he visibly winced due to an earsplitting screech from the sound system amid technical difficulties. His primary mission is writing more history with Argentina, not the camaraderie less than 48 hours out from a showpiece World Cup final. At one point, Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez attempted to translate a question from Brady into Spanish for Messi, who was dismissive, indicating he understood. It was all rather uncomfortable.
For Spain, this contest is an assignment. Rodri’s message was one of pure professionalism and laser-sharp focus – an execution of ideology and a detailed tactical blueprint. For Argentina, World Cup glory is defined by far more. The passion is not a choice, it’s a lifestyle. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will now hope to lead Argentina past La Roja in the final this weekend.