Before boarding Argentina's flight from Kansas City to New York on Friday, the Chelsea midfielder once again cupped his hands behind his ears in the famous "Topo Gigio" celebration--the same gesture he produced after scoring against England in the World Cup semifinal.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain provided assists for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in the dying minutes of Wednesday's highly charged clash at Atlanta Stadium as the world champions came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory.

The connection between Maradona and Messi goes far beyond shared celebrations. Both grew up in a football culture where every child dreams of wearing the No.10 shirt. On dusty pitches, with worn-out boots and endless passion, they learned to play the Argentine way -- with creativity, courage, and the ball always at their feet.

Hampered by Tuchel's cautious substitutions, England squandered a golden opportunity to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, blowing the lead as Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to snatch a 2-1 win on Wednesday.

Following the thrilling encounter, players and coaches from both sides reflected on the dramatic contest.

Lionel Messi engineered a spectacular comeback for Argentina against England in their World Cup semi-final on Thursday to keep his team on track for back-to-back titles.

After controlling much of the early play and taking a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute, England seemingly went into a shell, attempting to pack the back end and protect its lead while losing the aggressiveness that got it the lead in the first place.

Messi said victory in the semifinal was "quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context".

England had 12% of the possession from the time that Gordon opened the scoring to Martinez’s winner 38 minutes later.

"Speechless. This is a joy for our country and our people. The other day I said this group never ceases to amaze me, and tonight they proved it again."

Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute but Enzo Fernandez equalised 30 minutes later and Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner in stoppage time from Lionel Messi's cross.

From England's victory at the 1966 World Cup to the shadow cast by the 1982 Falklands War, from Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1986 to major duels in 1998 and 2002, meetings between the countries have long felt larger than soccer.

Stiles, a former Manchester United midfielder, died almost six years ago aged 78 with severe dementia and had headed a football around 140,000 times during his career, Stockport Coroner's Court in northwest England heard at the inquest into his death.

Imitating little Pedrito, Porro sat down on the pristine Dallas Stadium grass and raised his hand skyward.

The much-hyped France-Spain encounter, billed by many as the "final before the final", turned into a tactical exhibition rather than the edge-of-the-seat spectacle supporters had anticipated.

England have lost only two of their 14 meetings with Argentina, winning six and drawing six. One of those draws was followed by a penalty-shootout defeat in the last 16 of France 1998.

Elfath, an American citizen born in Morocco, will officiate the England-Argentina clash, with fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins serving as his assistant referees.

When the defending champions face England in Thursday's World Cup semifinal in Atlanta [1am, Bangladesh Time], Lionel Messi and company will swap their traditional sky blue and white stripes for their dark blue away kit.

From the opening whistle, the Spaniards wrapped themselves around France like an anaconda, tightening their grip with every wave of pressing and every spell of possession until the life had been squeezed from a French attack that had looked irresistible throughout the tournament.

The headband featured the inscriptions "08304" and "Rocafonda", a tribute to the neighbourhood in Mataró where Yamal grew up. The number 08304 was the area's postal code, while Rocafonda was the community the teenager proudly considered home.