Can England take some consolation that, at least this time, it was Messi’s sublime playmaking that felled them? 

Doubtful. At least not yet. All this history, plus a pair of finals appearances, and heartbreaking losses, in the most recent European championships is just too painful right now. England, given the potential of ending the 60 years of futility, was a sentimental favorite to emerge from the final four powers at this World Cup, which also included Argentina (who last won in 2022), France (2018) and Spain (2010). ”I’ve suffered so many times,” former England striker Gary Lineker, who lost at the Hand of God in 1986, said on a recent podcast. “I just want us to win it before I die. Just once, just once, please” 

Poor Gary, and his fellow citizens of England. They will have to wait, and wait, and wait. Messi, meanwhile, moves on. He now has eight goals and four assists in this World Cup: he’s contributed a goal or assist in each of Argentina’s seven World Cup wins this summer. For the first time in a World Cup final, the reigning European champs (Spain) will face the reigning South American champion (Argentina). Messi and his mates will attempt to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil, who did it in 1958 and 1962.