Lionel Messi Delivers Again for Argentina As Defending Champions Reach Another World Cup Final

Lionel Messi helped Argentina reach another World Cup final as defending champions beat England 2-1 in the semifinals on Wednesday in Atlanta. Messi did not add to his tournament-leading goal total, but he assisted two late strikes that powered a comeback for La Albiceleste. England had taken the lead with Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal. In the 85th minute, Messi set up Enzo Fernández, who scored from about 25 yards to level the match for the second goal that arrived late in stoppage and swung momentum. Two minutes into stoppage time, Messi delivered a cross from near the end line, and Lautaro Martínez headed in the winner. The final is Sunday against Spain, with a chance to become the first repeat champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.