Argentina are in the World Cup final for the second time in a row after a stunning late comeback denied England a first appearance there in 60 years.
The Three Lions had led through Anthony Gordon‘s 55th-minute opener but the Argentines’ remontada was sparked by Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute, before Lautaro Martinez added the winner in extra time, sparking wild scenes of jubilation both in Atlanta and back home in Argentina.
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Both moves were created by captain and talisman Lionel Messi, who was given licence to roam as England sat back – with devastating consequences – late in the second half.
While Thursday’s front pages in the UK were full of doom and gloom, their opposite numbers in Argentina obviously relished the win, with multiple outlets emphasising the “madness” of their late comeback.
Argentinian daily Clarin plastered a photo of a gleeful Enzo Fernandez and Lionel Messi celebrating with the headline “Miracle of football”, alongside the caption: “Now for the fourth” as the team bids for a fourth world title and second in succession.
La Nacion again had Fernandez and Messi front and centre in a picture of the team celebrating after the full-time whistle, with the headline “Heroic finalists”.
Argentinian daily Clarin called it the ‘miracle of football’ (Clarin)
La Nacion celebrated its ‘heroic finalists’ (La Nacion)
It wrote: “Again driven by heart, in seven unforgettable minutes at the end the team turned the match around to beat England 2-1.”
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Spanish sports paper Marca was equally pleased with the result, with its front page headlined: “The most beautiful ending in the world”.
“Madness”, it added, “Argentina to meet Spain after another heroic comeback.”
Argentina will play Spain in Sunday’s final (Olé)
And Buenos Aires-based sports daily Olé, which again centred on Messi celebrating, also highlighted the “madness”, with its headline a play on the ‘Hand of God’.
The Buenos Aires Herald meanwhile paid tribute to its “bravehearts”.
Argentina will face European champions Spain in Sunday’s final, while England were condemned to playing France – who lost 2-0 to La Roja in Tuesday’s other semi-final – in the consolation third-place play-off.