Lionel Messi produced another defining World Cup moment as defending champions Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The semi-final clash at the Atlanta Stadium appeared to be heading England’s way after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead 10 minutes into the second half.
However, Argentina responded strongly, with Messi playing a central role in a remarkable turnaround.
The Argentina captain provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez to equalise in the 85th minute before delivering a decisive cross that allowed substitute Lautaro Martinez to head in the winning goal deep into stoppage time.
The victory extended Argentina’s quest for back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat no team has achieved since Brazil won consecutive tournaments in 1958 and 1962.
The match carried additional significance because of the long-standing rivalry between Argentina and England, producing another memorable World Cup encounter between the two nations.
England, who were chasing their first World Cup final appearance since winning the trophy in 1966, took the lead through Gordon after a well-worked move involving Harry Kane and Morgan Rogers.
But Argentina refused to surrender, mounting pressure as the match entered its final stages.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made important saves, including efforts from Nico Gonzalez and Fernandez, while Alexis Mac Allister also struck the post.
Fernandez eventually found the equaliser when he controlled Messi’s pass outside the box and fired beyond Pickford, setting up a tense finish.
Argentina continued pushing forward and were rewarded when Messi’s excellent delivery found Martinez, whose stoppage-time header completed the comeback and sent the South American side into celebration.
The result means Messi will play in his third World Cup final, becoming only the second player after Brazil legend Cafu to achieve the feat.
Argentina will face European champions Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, in a showdown between the champions of South America and Europe.
For England, the defeat ended hopes of reaching their first final since 1966.
The team will now face France in the third-place play-off in Miami, a match both sides would have preferred to avoid after falling short at the semi-final stage.
