Soccer
Messi masterclass breaks England hearts and proves why he's the best ever
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Lionel Messi proved once again last night why he is the greatest footballer of all time.
Despite not scoring, Argentina’s captain dragged his side into the World Cup final with two superb assists to crush England’s dream of ending 60 years of hurt.
Granted, Thomas Tuchel gave him a helping hand by encouraging the Three Lions to sit deep, but Messi does not need an invitation to make things happen.
With the clock ticking down, Argentina continued to push forward — just as they had since falling behind to Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute tap-in.
Finding himself in more and more space, Messi took control and turned the semi-final on its head.
First, he masterminded a short-corner routine to tee up Enzo Fernandez to rifle home a superb equaliser in the 85th minute. Then, with the tie in stoppage time, he delivered a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner.
The 39-year-old’s talent and vision broke England hearts — leaving him beaming at full-time.
He said: “I think we showed again what we’ve been doing for years. This team plays free-flowing, high-quality football.
“We’re patient and we know how to read the key moments in a game. I think we dictated the game from the start.
“Although we didn’t create any clear chances before half-time, we were in control and saw a lot of the ball. And after they scored, we were even better.
"I think that once again shows how strong we are as a group. We’re mentally tough and play some good football. All of those things helped us win.”
Spain lie in wait for Messi and Co on Sunday in what could prove to be one of the best finals in World Cup history.
He added: "They’re a tremendous team, with outstanding players. They play excellent football.
"I know the Spanish side well and they have a style of play they’ve developed over many years. I know the players, too.
“I’ve played against many of them and I follow them closely. Several of the squad play for Barca, a club that means a great deal to me and that I still keep up with.
“It will be a special World Cup final and, obviously, I expect it to be very closely matched."
Luis de la Fuente’s side are unlikely to give Messi the time and space to cause the damage he inflicted on England.
But with eight goals and four assists to his name in North America, only a brave man would bet against him failing to produce at least one moment of magic as he bids to lift the World Cup for the second time.
DAZN/FIFA
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