There was no ‘Hand of God’ this time. Argentina did not need it. It was the feet of Lionel Messi and the spirit of the team that kept them one step away from the two-time championship.
Down 1-0 in the 85th minute, the Albiceleste reacted to win 2-1 against England. Messi gave two assists: first for Enzo Fernández, then for Lautaro Martínez.
“I told Alexis that I was going to score a goal. It was up to me. Enzo scored a great goal,” Martínez said. “This team continues to show what it is made of.”
As the final whistle blew, Messi fell to his knees.
“This group is incredible, we went looking for them again when things got bad,” said Messi.
Road to the final
Argentina will seek its fourth title against Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It will be the Finalissima between the champions of the Copa América and Eurocup, canceled earlier due to the war in the Middle East.
“We are in a final again, two in the world in a row, it is impressive,” said Messi.
The match
Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute. Argentina pushed with everything. Fernández tied it with a right-footed shot from outside the area in the 85th. Lautaro scored the winning goal with a header in the second minute of added time.
“We are unique, these people today led us to win this match,” declared Scaloni.
According to statistics, between Gordon’s goal and Lautaro’s, the possession was 88-12 in favor of Argentina.
English side
Harry Kane, visibly affected, declared:
“I’m gutted for the team. We worked so hard. Coming up short is devastating.”
Thomas Tuchel, England coach, was criticized for his defensive changes after 1-0.
Argentina continues to make history. Messi, at 39 years old, is one victory away from cementing his legacy as the best of all time.
