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Argentina player ratings vs England: Never count the champions out! Lionel Messi delivers more brilliance as Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez send the Albiceleste into yet another World Cup final.

Each time Lionel Messi touched the ball, the crowd in Atlanta collectively held its breath. Throughout the opening hour of Argentina’s clash with England, the tension was palpable — every flicker of movement from the Argentine maestro seemed capable of altering the course of the match. As the minutes ticked by and Argentina trailed, those gasps turned from anticipation of magic to the dread of defeat.

But this Argentina side has made rewriting reality a habit. It wasn’t solely Messi who revived the pro-Argentine crowd’s hopes, though he certainly orchestrated much of it. Once again, the reigning world champions clawed their way back from the edge in a World Cup knockout clash — a pattern that has defined their recent history. They rarely make things easy, but they always seem to find a way.

After falling behind to England in the 55th minute, Messi and his teammates launched a spirited comeback, scoring twice late on to seal a 2-1 triumph and reach a second consecutive World Cup final. Messi provided the assists for both goals, but on this occasion, it was his supporting cast that stole the show.

First, Enzo Fernandez — largely contained by England’s midfield up to that point — produced a thunderous equaliser in the 85th minute. His strike soared past a stranded Jordan Pickford, igniting wild celebrations inside the stadium. From that moment, the momentum swung decisively in Argentina’s favour.

Just two minutes into stoppage time, the turnaround was complete. Messi’s pinpoint cross found Lautaro Martinez, who powered home a close-range header to send Argentina into the final. The defending champions were still alive — and still dreaming of another crown.

This victory, like many before it, was forged through resilience. Tested to their limits by a determined and physical England side, Argentina once again showed why they remain the team to beat. With one more hurdle to clear, they stand on the brink of another historic triumph.

Here are GOAL’s player ratings from Atlanta:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (6/10): Powerless to stop England’s goal and largely untested otherwise. Had a few routine moments before the breakthrough.

Nicolas Tagliafico (6/10): The stronger of the two full-backs. England’s switch to Rogers over Madueke brought limited threat down his flank.

Lisandro Martinez (6/10): Collected a necessary first-half booking that forced restraint thereafter. His attempted bicycle clearance in the lead-up to Gordon’s goal was brave but left Argentina exposed.

Cristian Romero (7/10): Like his defensive partner, took a yellow card early in the second half yet remained composed and solid throughout.

Nahuel Molina (4/10): Caught ball-watching on Gordon’s goal, allowing the winger to slip behind him. England repeatedly targeted his side of the pitch.

Midfield

Enzo Fernandez (8/10): Delivered the decisive equaliser that changed the game’s complexion. Provided the spark Argentina had been searching for all evening.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): Twice struck the post — agonisingly close each time. His second effort led to the winner, so he won’t mind too much.

Leandro Paredes (6/10): Functioned effectively as a midfield anchor but was replaced as Argentina sought more attacking impetus.

Attack

Giuliano Simeone (5/10): Worked tirelessly to create space for Messi but lacked the cutting edge to pose a direct threat himself.

Julian Alvarez (5/10): Put in a hard-working shift, pressing relentlessly and finding a couple of half-chances, but others provided the finishing quality.

Lionel Messi (8/10): Had flashes of magic but turned provider instead of scorer. Claimed an assist for Fernandez’s strike and delivered a perfect cross for Lautaro’s winner.

Substitutes & Manager

Nicolas Gonzalez (7/10): Injected energy after coming on, forcing a key save from Pickford and later heading wide. Added spark, even without the final touch.

Gonzalo Montiel (6/10): A straightforward cameo in the closing minutes as part of Scaloni’s late reshuffle.

Nicolas Otamendi (6/10): Brought on to replace Lisandro Martinez and avoid any disciplinary risk — a sensible decision.

Rodrigo De Paul (6/10): Provided his usual drive and aggression in midfield, earning a yellow card for his efforts.

Lautaro Martinez (9/10): The match-winner once again. Proven time and again as a big-moment player, his header sealed Argentina’s passage to the final.

Lionel Scaloni (8/10): Nailed his substitutions perfectly. Argentina chased the game intelligently and took advantage of England’s late retreat to turn the tide.