Lionel Messi and Argentina have consistently claimed the final minutes of World Cup matches, often overcoming deficits to secure crucial wins on their path to the tournament final. This pattern has been a defining characteristic of their campaign.
In the semifinal victory against England, Argentina trailed 1-0 late in the game before rallying to win 2-1. This match added to a growing list of late-game heroics by the defending champions, who are set to face Spain in the final.
Tournament Knockout Stage Dramatics
Argentina's journey through the knockout stages has featured several comebacks. They came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt and later overcame a 1-0 deficit against England.
Key Late-Game Moments in the Tournament
June 22: Messi Seals Group Stage Win Over Austria Argentina led Austria 1-0 in second-half stoppage time when Lionel Messi scored an insurance goal in the 90+5th minute, sealing a 2-0 victory.
June 27: Messi Scores Late Once Again In the group finale against Jordan, which Argentina led 2-1, Messi entered as a substitute and scored in the 80th minute with a free kick from approximately 25 yards out, extending their lead to 3-1.
July 3: Messi Sets Up Cape Verde Own Goal In the first knockout stage match, Argentina secured a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde with two extra-time goals. Lisandro Martínez scored in the 92nd minute to give Argentina a 2-1 lead, and Messi's corner kick in the 111th minute led to an own goal that secured the win.
July 7: Three-Goal Rally vs. Egypt Against Egypt, Argentina trailed 2-0 with less than 11 minutes remaining before the end of regulation. Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute, Messi followed in the 83rd minute, and Enzo Fernández scored the game-winning goal in the 90+2nd minute for a 3-2 comeback victory.
July 11: A Pair Of Late Goals Against Switzerland Despite Switzerland playing with 10 men, the quarterfinal match went into extra time. Julián Álvarez scored the go-ahead goal in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martínez added another in the 120+1st minute, securing a 3-1 win for Argentina.
July 15: Messi Leads Argentina To World Cup Final With Two Assists In the semifinal against England, Argentina came back from a 1-0 deficit. Enzo Fernández scored in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez scored in the 90+2nd minute, with Messi providing the assists for both goals. This victory, ending 2-1, secured Argentina's spot in the final and marked the eleventh goal scored in the 79th minute or later for the team in the tournament.