ATLANTA : Lionel Messi did not add to his tournament tally of eight goals in Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England on Wednesday, but the captain once again proved decisive by creating both goals that sent the defending champions into another final.
While many of football’s biggest stars often seek to decide matches through individual moments of brilliance, Messi’s influence has increasingly come through orchestrating Argentina’s attack and elevating those around him.
That was evident after Lautaro Martinez headed home the stoppage-time winner, with Argentina’s players racing to celebrate first with Messi, whose cross had created the decisive goal.
The 39-year-old has played every minute of Argentina’s four knockout matches, carefully conserving his energy before producing decisive contributions when his team needed them most.
Messi scored in victories over Cape Verde and Egypt before providing an assist in the 3-1 extra-time quarter-final win against Switzerland.
His influence grew steadily against England after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the 55th minute.
Drifting from a central role towards the right flank, Messi repeatedly delivered dangerous balls into the penalty area as Argentina increased the pressure.
His precise pass found Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the area for the midfielder to fire home the equaliser in the 85th minute.
Seven minutes later, Messi kept the ball in play after Alexis Mac Allister’s effort struck the post before advancing down the right and delivering a pinpoint cross that Martinez headed home to complete Argentina’s dramatic comeback.
The two assists took Messi’s career total to 12 at World Cups, extending his tournament record, alongside his 21 goals in the competition.
They also kept alive Argentina’s hopes of retaining the title, with Sunday’s final against Spain offering Messi the chance to end what is widely expected to be his final World Cup campaign with another winner’s medal.
