The only thing coming home for England this year is more tears and heartbreak after its semifinal loss to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup. And one viral Lionel Messi meme that likely only rubs more salt in the wound.
England saw its World Cup dreams shatter Wednesday as it gave up two goals within the final 10 minutes against the inevitable comeback kings, Messi’s Argentina, to lose 2–1. In one of the most questionable tactical decisions of the tournament, England manager Thomas Tuchel almost immediately switched to an all-defensive lineup after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions a 1–0 lead in the 55th minute of the game. Tuchel’s “bus-parking” tactics ultimately backfired, with Argentina surging forward with every ounce of momentum for the last 40 minutes—Messi ended up assisting both of La Albiceleste’s goals, including a right-foot cross of pinpoint accuracy to Lautaro Martínez for the game-winner.
