A heavyweight South American semifinal lived up to every expectation. Brazil's front line, spearheaded by Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, repeatedly stretched Argentina's back four, but Lionel Messi's genius in the final third proved the difference. Twice Brazil led, twice Argentina answered — Lautaro Martínez and Julián Alvarez both finishing Messi assists. With the tie level at 2-2 after 90', the additional 30 minutes belonged to Argentina's composure: Lautaro pounced on an Enzo Fernández through-ball in the 109th minute to settle it. Alisson kept Brazil alive on several occasions, but Argentina's clinical edge and Messi's orchestration carried them to the final.

• Lautaro Martínez's extra-time winner sends Argentina to the final
• Messi turned provider with two assists in a vintage display
• Brazil twice led the chances battle but couldn't hold a lead
• Both keepers tested 7+ times in a relentless Superclásico semifinal