India, July 17 -- In this World Cup, Lionel Messi and Argentina have owned the final minutes.

Wednesday's rally past England in the World Cup semifinals - Argentina trailed 1-0 late before winning 2-1 - only added another entry on the long list of late-game dramatics by the defending champions, who will now play Spain in Sunday's final. Among them: A pair of rallies from late-game deficits in the knockout stage, coming back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt and then 1-0 down to beat England.

A breakdown of Argentina saving its best for last in this World Cup:

June 22: Messi to seal a group stage win: Minute: 90+5

Final: Argentina 2, Austria 0

In the second match of the group stage, the outcome wasn't necessarily in doubt. Argentina led 1-0...