The 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who spends most of his game walking, proved that footballing intelligence can overcome physicality as he orchestrated Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. According to BBC Sport football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan, Messi served as Argentina's on-field coach, exploiting England's fatigue and Thomas Tuchel's in-game changes to snatch control of the match.
England's game plan was built on physical dominance. In the first half, they pressed high: wingers Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers angled their bodies to block goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and centre-backs Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez from finding the full-backs. Jude Bellingham dropped deeper than expected to shadow Enzo Fernandez, Declan Rice sat on Alexis Mac Allister, and Elliot Anderson was tasked with smothering Messi. The midfield trio's energy stifled Argentina early — Anderson in particular was snappy, intercepting passes and winning duels.
“Lionel Messi's on-field coaching and deceptive walking pace helped Argentina beat England in the World Cup semi-final.”
But Argentina's captain began to grow into the game. Messi started taking deeper positions, posing Anderson a dilemma: how far should he follow? Messi's walking pace became a tool of deception. From almost a standing start, he would burst into life, darting towards the ball. As England's press faded with tiredness, the advantage swung to Argentina. Players dropped towards the ball, allowing the holders to bring it up the pitch as a unit and gain control.
"From almost a standing start, Messi would burst into life, darting towards the ball," writes Irfan. The veteran's sharp-witted play undid a side that prides itself on physicality, leaving England to wonder what might have been.
