Lionel Messi delivered another memorable performance as Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The 39-year-old captain provided two decisive assists in the closing stages at Atlanta Stadium, helping the defending champions overturn a deficit and set up a blockbuster final against European champions Spain.
England appeared on course to reach their first World Cup final in six decades after taking the lead in the 55th minute. Anthony Gordon finished calmly from a Morgan Rogers cross to put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead after a disciplined display that frustrated Argentina for much of the match.
With their title defence under threat, Argentina found inspiration through Messi. Five minutes from normal time, the veteran playmaker slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a powerful long-range effort beyond Jordan Pickford to level the score.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Argentina’s favour as Lionel Scaloni’s side pushed forward in search of a winner while England struggled to contain the pressure.
Deep into stoppage time, Messi produced another moment of magic. Spotting Lautaro Martínez making a run into the penalty area, he delivered a precise cross that the substitute met with a powerful header to complete a remarkable comeback.
The victory sends Argentina into a third consecutive World Cup final as they continue their quest to retain the trophy they won in Qatar.
Messi’s influential display further cemented his status as one of the tournament’s standout performers. With eight goals and four assists, the Argentine captain remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot while continuing to add to his legendary international career.
After the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised the determination and character shown by his players in overcoming adversity on one of football’s biggest stages.
Despite the defeat, England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his team’s performance, insisting his players had given everything and could leave the tournament with their heads held high.
The semi-final also attracted attention beyond football, with discussions surrounding the Falkland Islands dispute resurfacing before and after the match. Following the final whistle, several Argentina players celebrated with a banner reading, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”.
Attention now turns to the final in New Jersey, where Argentina and Spain will meet in a highly anticipated clash between two continental champions.
Spain booked their place in the final after defeating France 2-0 in the other semi-final, while Argentina arrive full of confidence following another Messi-inspired triumph.
For Messi, the final presents a chance to cap an extraordinary international career with another World Cup title, while Spain will be aiming to reclaim football’s biggest prize for the first time since 2010.
