Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a dramatic comeback victory over England, setting up a blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain after the reigning champions struck twice in just over six minutes to seal a thrilling semi-final win.
England looked destined for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them ahead in the 55th minute. However, as the Three Lions retreated deeper into their own half, Argentina turned the game around in stunning fashion.
Enzo Fernández levelled the scores with a superb long-range strike in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time. Messi provided the assist for both goals, taking his tally to a record 12 assists in World Cup history.
The encounter began with fierce intensity and ended in heartbreak for England, while Argentina continued their remarkable trend of late goals, having now scored 11 times after the 75th minute during the tournament.
Although the two nations had not met for 21 years, the build-up was dominated by the historic rivalry between them, including previous World Cup clashes and references to the 1982 Falklands War.
Argentina adopted an aggressive approach from the opening whistle. The first flashpoint came when Enzo Fernández caught England midfielder Elliot Anderson from behind, prompting Jude Bellingham to appeal to American referee Ismail Elfath, claiming his teammate had been struck in the head.
No action was taken, and the physical battle continued. The opening 30 minutes produced 12 fouls without a single shot—an Opta record for a World Cup match dating back to 1966.
The game sprang to life after the interval. England broke the deadlock through Gordon, who turned home Morgan Rogers’ cross, before relying on a crucial tackle from Djed Spence and several outstanding saves from Jordan Pickford to preserve their advantage.
But Argentina gradually took control. Fernández’s spectacular equaliser shifted the momentum before Lautaro Martínez completed the comeback with a stoppage-time header to send the South Americans into another World Cup final.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final as they bid to retain the World Cup, while England will take on France in the third-place playoff a day earlier.
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