in this world cup, Lionel Messi and Argentina dominated the final moments.
Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final win over England – Argentina trailed 1-0 late but won 2-1 – was just another in a long list of late-game dramatics by the defending champions, who will face Spain in Sunday’s final.
Among them were two comebacks from a late deficit in the knockout stage, when they came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Egypt and then from a 1-0 deficit to beat England.
Here’s a breakdown of how Argentina saved its best until last at this World Cup.
June 22: Messi secures group stage victory
— Minutes: 90+5
— Final: Argentina 2, Austria 0
In the second group stage match, the result was not necessarily in doubt. Argentina led 1-0 heading into additional time in the second half. Lionel Messi gets his own rebound He then weaved between three defenders to score the goal that sealed the victory.
June 27: Messi arrives late again
— Minutes: 80th
— Final: Argentina 3, Jordan 1
In the final group match, Argentina led 2-1, with Lionel Messi, who had just come on as a substitute, performing well. Free kick from approximately 25 yards Outside. He saw an opening in the wall of Jordan’s defenders and took a low shot, but the shot flew once and into the back of the goal for the clincher.
July 3: Martinez and own goal vs Cape Verde
— Minutes: 92nd then 111th
— Final: Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2
The first match of the finals was an eventful one, with Argentina scoring twice in extra time and needing both goals to stop Cape Verde’s Cinderella story. Lisandro Martinez scored in the 92nd minute for a 2-1 lead. Messi served the perfect ball A shot from a corner kick turned into an own goal in the 111th minute, giving Argentina a 3-2 victory.
July 7: 3-goal rally vs. Egypt
— Minutes: 79th, 83rd, then 90+2
— Final: Argentina 3, Egypt 2
It looked like the champions were all set in the round of 16, but Egypt took a 2-0 lead with 11 minutes remaining until stoppage time. and, tournament comeback Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute, Messi connected four minutes later and Enzo Fernandes scored the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
July 11: Two late goals defeat Switzerland
— Minutes: 112th, then 120+1
— Final: Argentina 3, Switzerland 1
Although Switzerland were down to 10 players, their quarterfinal match against Argentina was pushed to extra time. And finally, Argentina has made a breakthrough. Julián Álvarez scored the winning goal in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martinez scored in the final minute to give the champions a 3-1 victory and advance to the semi-finals.
July 15: Argentina advances to final in another rally
— Minutes: 85th, then 90+2
— Final: Argentina 2, England 1
Enzo Fernandes scored in the 85th minute, Lautaro Martinez scored in the second minute of stoppage time, and Messi assisted on both goals. Argentina recovered from a 1-0 deficit. They defeated England 2-1 and advanced to the World Cup final. These goals took Argentina to an astonishing 11 points in the first 79 minutes of this tournament.
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