Harry Kane hailed Lionel Messi after England crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, losing 2-1 to Argentina in a thrilling contest. Thomas Tuchel's side looked on course for the final after Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute opener, but Messi inspired another Argentina comeback with two assists.
Lionel Messi greets Harry Kane after Argentina's 2-1 win. (AFP)
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In the 85th minute, Messi took a short corner before spotting Enzo Fernandez lurking 25 yards from goal. His pinpoint pass found the midfielder, who unleashed a stunning strike beyond Jordan Pickford to level the scores.
Two minutes into stoppage time, Messi delivered an accurate cross to the back post, where Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner.
‘Leo is still performing at the highest level’: Harry Kane
Speaking to reporters after the match, Kane said, "Leo is still performing at the highest level. I felt that for large parts of the game, we dealt with him really well. But as always with the most dangerous players in the world, when they have the ball in the final third, they can be place-setters. And he did that again today. He's obviously one of the best players ever for a reason," he added.
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Meanwhile, in an interview with Sky Sports, Kane's emotions spilled over. "I'm gutted," he said.
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Meanwhile, in an interview with Sky Sports, Kane's emotions spilled over. "I'm gutted," he said.
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"I'm gutted for the boys, I'm gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans. We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on which at this level is just not enough, so I'm gutted. We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is, so to fall short like today is just gutting."
Kane revealed that after England took the lead, Thomas Tuchel instructed them to score another goal. But Argentina's high press proved to be too much for them.
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"After the goal, whether they were putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man-to-man, it was just wave after wave. The lads were putting blocks in but in the end it was not enough", he said.
"The boys were always ready for any moment in the game. When we went ahead the messaging was to go again and get another goal. Once they scored their two goals it was to try and find something but we couldn't find any momentum to get back in the game," he added.
This is also Argentina's seventh FIFA World Cup final, the second-most by any nation behind Germany. The South Americans are reaching consecutive World Cup finals for only the second time, having previously done so in 1986 and 1990.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Football/Harry Kane's Lionel Messi admission says it all after England's late collapse
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