'Like Defending A Pawn': Kasparov's Brutal Chess Take On England's Collapse Against Messi's Argentina

Published 16 July 2026 · india

'Like Defending A Pawn': Kasparov's Brutal Chess Take On England's Collapse Against Messi's Argentina Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 09:18 IST Garry Kasparov's

'Like Defending A Pawn': Kasparov's Brutal Chess Take On England's Collapse Against Messi's Argentina Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 09:18 IST Garry Kasparov's post came after England surrendered a second-half lead as Lionel Messi orchestrated Argentina's late comeback with assists for both goals. England vs Argentina FIFA match news: Leo Messi came alive with two assists to guide Argentina through to their third consecutive FIFA World Cup final (AP) England vs Argentina FIFA match news: Garry Kasparov, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history and a former world chess champion, turned to the chessboard to explain England’s dramatic FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, drawing a comparison between Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach and one of chess’s most dangerous strategic mistakes. Read more: Messi Magic, Lautaro Madness! Argentina Stun England With Two Late Goals To Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final In a post on X (formerly Twitter) following Argentina’s 2-1 comeback victory over England, Kasparov wrote, “I have an aversion to excess chess analogies, but England going up a goal and then pulling back against Messi instead of continuing to attack was like going up a pawn and then trying to play passive defense against Mikhail Tal!" 🎯 I have an aversion to excess chess analogies, but England going up a goal and then pulling back against Messi instead of continuing to attack was like going up a pawn and then trying to play passive defense against Mikhail Tal!

Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) July 15, 2026 Kasparov’s post came after England surrendered a second-half lead as Lionel Messi orchestrated Argentina’s late comeback with assists for both goals. Anthony Gordon had put England ahead in the 55th minute before Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez struck the winner in stoppage time, sending the defending champions into another World Cup final. In chess, winning a pawn usually offers only a modest advantage. Against an attacking genius such as former world champion Mikhail Tal- renowned for his fearless sacrifices and relentless attacking style- retreating into passive defence instead of maintaining the initiative often proved fatal. Kasparov suggested England fell into a similar trap against Messi. After taking the lead through Gordon, England appeared increasingly content to sit deeper and protect their advantage rather than continue pressing Argentina. The shift handed momentum to Lionel Scaloni’s side, which dominated the closing stages before Messi unlocked England’s defence twice in the final minutes.