Kathmandu: Football fans across Kathmandu stayed up into the early hours to watch a thrilling World Cup semi final and Lionel Messi made sure it was worth it. Argentina scored two late goals to beat England 2-1 booking their spot in the final against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the second half but Argentina hit back with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to complete a stunning turnaround, much to the delight of Nepali fans watching the drama unfold on their screens.

A Slow Start, Then England Strike

The first half was tense and cautious with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Argentina came out stronger after the break but it was England who took the lead in the 55th minute. Declan Rice set up Morgan Rogers whose brilliant cross was finished off by Gordon to put England ahead.

Argentina kept pushing. Pickford produced a sharp save to deny Nico Gonzalez’s header and Alexis Mac Allister struck the post with a header from a wonderful De Paul cross.

Argentina’s Late Surge

With five minutes left in normal time, Fernandez struck. Messi picked him out with a clever pass and Fernandez curled a brilliant shot into the far corner to level the score.

Seven minutes later, Mac Allister’s shot came back off the post and Messi collected the rebound. He floated a perfect cross into the box where Lautaro Martinez rose unmarked to head the ball into the net and give Argentina the lead for good.

A Historic Night for Messi

The match started slowly with 19 fouls and no shots on target in the entire first half, the most fouls without a shot on target in any half at this World Cup.

But the night belonged to Messi. He has now scored or assisted in 11 straight World Cup matches, the longest such streak on record since 1966. His two assists here took his World Cup final stage assist total to 12, the most in tournament history.

Heartbreak for England Again

For England, it was a familiar and painful ending. This is the second time this century they have scored first in a World Cup semi final only to lose having suffered the same fate against Croatia in 2018.

Now, attention turns to Sunday’s final where Argentina will look to defend their World Cup title against Spain, a match many fans are already preparing to watch, whatever the hour.