Atlanta, July 16,2026: Lionel Messi inspired a remarkable late comeback as Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final.
Trailing after Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike, Argentina mounted a relentless late assault, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner in stoppage time to complete a dramatic turnaround.
Messi, widely expected to be making the final World Cup appearance of his illustrious career at the age of 39, played a decisive role by setting up both goals.
The victory added another memorable chapter to the historic rivalry between Argentina and England, sending the South Americans into the final while ending England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since their 1966 triumph.
England looked on course for victory after taking the lead in the 55th minute. Declan Rice collected a loose clearance from Nicolas Tagliafico and released Morgan Rogers with a perfectly weighted through ball. Rogers delivered a cross to the far post where Anthony Gordon calmly guided the ball past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Thomas Tuchel’s side defended resolutely for much of the second half but gradually came under increasing pressure as Argentina dominated possession in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Messi found Fernandez in space on the edge of the penalty area, allowing the midfielder to fire a powerful 20-metre strike beyond Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner.
Argentina completed the comeback in the second minute of added time. After Alexis Mac Allister’s effort struck the post, Messi recovered the loose ball on the right flank before delivering a precise cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home the winner.
The dramatic victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of lifting another World Cup title alive, while England were left to rue a painful collapse after appearing destined for a place in the final.
