Lionel Messi reveals England's big flaw in World Cup semi-final defeat

The two teams clashed in Atlanta on Wednesday night, and after a tight first half, England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. 

However, the Three Lions were punished for deciding to sit back and absorb pressure as Argentina scored two goals in seven minutes to win the match and reach a second successive World Cup final. 

'England didn't want it anymore' 

Messi may not have been on the scoresheet, but it was his perfectly placed cross which found an unmarked Lautaro Martinez who headed home the winner two minutes into added time. 

Speaking to reporters after the match, Messi explained how Enzo Fernandez's equaliser spurred the team on and revealed a flaw in England's strategy. 

"We felt that while drawing we needed the support of the fans because we saw that we could win it in 90 minutes," Messi said. 

"We created opportunities with crosses, through line passes, through the inside and we felt they didn’t want it anymore, and we just kept coming."

Argentina's determination and ability to not give up has been vital during this campaign. 

Ahead of Wednesday's win, two of Argentina's knockout victories had come in extra time, and for England, this should have been a warning sign for what could happen if the match was close going into the final stages. 

Instead, England were punished, and Argentina are a step closer to footballing immortality by becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962. 

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