Atlanta: Defending champions Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta on Wednesday (local time), with Lionel Messi at the heart of the turnaround.
England looked poised to reach their first World Cup final in decades after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring. However, Argentina staged a dramatic fightback in the closing minutes, scoring twice in quick succession to book a place in the final.
England take control but fail to finish
England dominated large phases of the contest and broke the deadlock through Gordon, whose goal gave the Three Lions a deserved lead. The European side maintained defensive discipline for most of the match and kept Argentina’s attacking threats under control.
Despite their structured approach, England were unable to extend their lead, which eventually proved costly. Their inability to capitalise on key moments left the door open for Argentina’s late surge.
Captain Harry Kane later admitted that while England managed Messi well for most of the match, the Argentine talisman made the difference in decisive moments.
Messi orchestrates turnaround with two assists
At 39, Messi once again demonstrated his enduring class by delivering two crucial assists when Argentina needed them the most.
The equaliser came in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernandez found the net following a precise setup from Messi. The goal shifted momentum dramatically in Argentina’s favour.
Moments later, deep into stoppage time, Messi produced another moment of brilliance, setting up Lautaro Martinez for the winning goal. The Inter Milan striker made no mistake, sealing a remarkable victory.
Messi may not have added to his goal tally, but his influence in the attacking third proved decisive, underlining his role as the team’s creative engine.
Celebration goes viral across social media
As the referee blew the final whistle, Argentina erupted in celebration, with Messi’s reaction quickly becoming the highlight of the night.
The veteran forward raised his arms towards the crowd, shouted in jubilation and embraced his teammates in an emotional moment that resonated with fans worldwide. The celebration soon went viral across social media platforms, capturing the passion and resilience of the Argentine squad.
The moment symbolised not just a victory, but Argentina’s never-say-die attitude, having also staged a comeback earlier in the tournament.
Argentina set up final clash with Spain
With this win, Argentina have advanced to the final, where they will face Spain. The team now stands on the verge of achieving a historic feat.
A victory in the final would make Argentina the first team since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
The side has shown remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, combining experienced leadership with youthful energy. Messi’s performances continue to be central to their success.
Conclusion
Argentina’s dramatic comeback against England once again highlighted their resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. With Lionel Messi leading from the front, the team has taken a significant step towards defending their World Cup crown.
As they prepare for the final against Spain, all eyes will be on Messi to see if he can guide Argentina to yet another historic triumph and further cement his legacy in world football.