Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Lionel Messi inspiring the turnaround in the closing stages of a dramatic semifinal.
England appeared on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after taking the lead in the second half and holding firm for much of the contest. However, Argentina struck twice in the final seven minutes to complete a remarkable comeback and seal a place in Sunday’s final.
The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams displaying disciplined defending, aggressive pressing and few clear-cut scoring opportunities. England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a pinpoint cross for Anthony Gordon, who calmly finished past the Argentine goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Argentina responded with sustained attacking pressure. Alexis Mac Allister and Nico González both tested England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, whose impressive saves kept the Three Lions in front. Seeking a breakthrough, Argentina introduced Lautaro Martínez and Rodrigo De Paul from the bench to add fresh attacking impetus.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 85th minute. Enzo Fernández unleashed a powerful long-range strike from outside the penalty area that flew past Pickford and into the net, bringing Argentina level and shifting the momentum decisively.
With England reeling, Argentina completed the turnaround in second-half stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance, delivering a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Substitute Lautaro Martínez rose above the defence to head home the winner, sending Argentina into the World Cup final.
Messi finished the match with two assists, once again proving decisive on football’s biggest stage. His vision, composure and creativity guided Argentina through a tense semifinal, while Fernández’s spectacular equaliser and Martínez’s late winner completed a memorable victory.
Argentina will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after the Spaniards defeated France 2-0 in the other semifinal. England, meanwhile, saw their dream of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 come to a heartbreaking end.
Result: Argentina 2-1 England
Goals: Anthony Gordon (55′) – England; Enzo Fernández (85′), Lautaro Martínez (90+2′) – Argentina.
