Messi Assists Twice as Argentina Rallies Past England to Reach World Cup Final

ATLANTA (AP) – Lionel Messi came through for Argentina again, and a single victory now stands between his side and another World Cup crown.

Though the 39-year-old did not extend his tournament-leading goal tally, he supplied the assists on two late strikes that lifted La Albiceleste to a 2-1 semifinal win over England on Wednesday.

Only eight days after a remarkable recovery against Egypt in the round of 16, Messi was back in Atlanta to add another defining chapter to a career many already regard as unmatched.

England appeared on course for a first World Cup since its lone triumph roughly six decades ago when Anthony Gordon struck in the 55th minute.

Yet Argentina, clad in blue and white, showed once more that it is rarely finished. The team will meet Spain in Sunday's final with a shot at becoming the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

In the 85th minute, with England clinging to its lead, Messi worked a short corner, received the ball back and picked out Enzo Fernández in central space about 25 yards from goal. Fernández bent a shot around Jordan Pickford to level the score.

From that moment, an Argentine victory felt within reach.

Two minutes into added time, Messi delivered a precise cross into the box, where Lautaro Martínez split two defenders and nodded in the decisive goal.

Argentina then saw out the remaining minutes without further alarm.

When the referee ended the match, Messi sank to his knees at midfield and raised both fists.

He remains level with Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race, with each player on eight goals at the tournament.

Messi also holds the record as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals.

Still, the prize he seeks most is another championship.

That opportunity is now just one match away.