Messi's Two Assists Lead Argentina to Dramatic Comeback Win and Final Berth

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Defending champion Argentina has advanced to the final of the North and Central America World Cup after a dramatic comeback victory against England in the semifinals. Lionel Messi saved his team from the brink of defeat by recording two assists late in the second half.

Jeon Yeongmin reports.

[Reporter]

The match began with intense physical battles from both sides. With Argentina led by Messi and England featuring Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, the first half ended scoreless as neither team managed a single shot on target.

The stalemate was broken ten minutes into the second half. England's Morgan Rogers delivered a cross from the flank, and Anthony Gordon slipped behind the defenders to tap the ball in with his right foot, scoring the opening goal of the match and his first of the tournament.

Argentina launched a counterattack, but their consecutive headers were blocked by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, and they suffered further misfortune when a shot hit the goalpost. However, in the 40th minute of the second half, they finally leveled the score.

After Messi drew the attention of the defenders, he delivered a pass to Enzo Fernandez, who fired a right-footed long-range shot into the back of the net without hesitation.

Then, in stoppage time, Messi's brilliance shone once again.

He delivered a precise cross from the flank with his right foot, rather than his left, and Lautaro Martinez headed it home to turn the game around.

The moment the comeback goal was scored, the stadium, as well as the Plaza de la Republica in Buenos Aires, erupted in celebration.

When the final whistle blew, Messi, who led the dramatic turnaround with two assists, clenched his fists and roared, soaking in the joy as he raised his arms toward the fans chanting his name.

The Argentine players hoisted Messi onto their shoulders to celebrate their advancement to the final.

[Lautaro Martinez/Argentina: I have already been crying for a long time in the locker room, so I am trying to hold back my tears now. I still cannot believe everything our team has achieved.]

Argentina, aiming for back-to-back World Cup titles led by Messi, will face Spain in the final on July 20 to compete for the championship trophy.

(Video Editing: Park Jeong-sam)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.