Messi Inspires Late Comeback as Argentina Reach World Cup Final
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب
Defending champions Argentina advanced to their second consecutive World Cup final after producing a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The semifinal in Atlanta remained scoreless throughout the first half, with both teams adopting a cautious approach and creating few clear opportunities in front of goal.
England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted a cross from Morgan Rogers, putting the Three Lions within reach of their first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 1966.
Thomas Tuchel’s side then dropped deeper in an attempt to protect its advantage, while Argentina increased the pressure and Lionel Messi began operating more frequently from the right side of the attack.
Argentina finally found the equalizer in the 85th minute. Messi’s pass reached Enzo Fernández near the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder fired a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The defending champions completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time. Messi kept the ball in play before delivering a precise cross for substitute Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winning goal and ended England’s hopes of reaching the final.
Although Messi did not score, he provided both assists and once again demonstrated his ability to influence the biggest matches. His performance increased his World Cup record to 12 assists, alongside his 21 goals in the tournament.
England had contained Argentina for much of the match, but its decision to defend the narrow lead allowed the South American champions to dominate possession and apply sustained pressure during the closing stages.
The victory sends Argentina into a seventh World Cup final and leaves the team one win away from securing a fourth global title. Argentina is also attempting to become the first country to retain the trophy since Brazil won consecutive World Cups in 1958 and 1962.
Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina enters the match as the tournament’s highest-scoring team with 19 goals, while Spain has conceded only once.
England will now meet France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, July 18, after seeing its semifinal advantage disappear during a dramatic final seven minutes.
