It was the 92nd minute when Lionel Messi’s cross floated into the England box. Lautaro Martinez, the substitute, rose at the far post. His header sent Argentina to the World Cup final and ended England’s hopes of a third consecutive semi-final defeat in the cruellest fashion.
The goal came just as extra time loomed. England had defended doggedly but could not contain the moment of brilliance from the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Messi, 39, produced a pinpoint delivery from the right flank, and Martinez, who had been on the pitch for only a matter of minutes, ghosted in to nod past Jordan Pickford.
“Lautaro Martinez's 92nd-minute header from Lionel Messi's cross sends Argentina to the World Cup final, eliminating England.”
Argentina will now contest Sunday’s final — their second in four tournaments and a chance for Messi to add another World Cup winner’s medal to his collection. Lionel Scaloni’s side have been relentless throughout the tournament, but this was their tightest victory yet.
For Gareth Southgate’s England, the pain is familiar. After losing the 2018 semi-final to Croatia, the 2022 final to France, and the 2024 European Championship final to Spain, they have now been denied at the penultimate hurdle again — this time in heartbreaking circumstances.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s bronze final. England will face France, their old rivals, in the third-place play-off — a match that offers little consolation but still carries prestige. Thomas Tuchel, England head coach, faced the media after the defeat and will now prepare his side for a dead rubber that nonetheless pits two European heavyweights against each other.
The match also offers a final chance for the Golden Boot race. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are among the contenders, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham still in pursuit. England will want to end the tournament on a high, but the wound of the semi-final defeat will take time to heal.