Lionel Messi produced another masterclass when it mattered most, providing two assists as Argentina fought back to beat England 2-1 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
In a tense semi-final in Atlanta, England looked set for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener, but the reigning world champions once again demonstrated their trademark resilience with two late goals to complete a stunning turnaround.
The first half was a fiercely contested affair with very little goalmouth action. Both sides cancelled each other out in midfield, committing 19 fouls before the break and failing to register a single shot on target. According to broadcasters, it was the first World Cup match since 1966 without a shot recorded in the opening 30 minutes.
England finally broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half. Harry Kane launched a swift counterattack with an excellent forward pass before Morgan Rogers delivered a pinpoint cross for Anthony Gordon, who finished confidently to score his first-ever World Cup goal and give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.
Argentina immediately stepped up the pressure in search of an equaliser. Alexis Mac Allister rattled the post with a diving header, while Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding save to deny Nico Gonzalez as England desperately defended their advantage.
Their resistance was eventually broken in the 85th minute.
After Pickford parried an initial effort behind for a corner, Messi found Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the area. The Chelsea midfielder curled a superb left-footed strike beyond the England goalkeeper to level the scores at 1-1 and set up a dramatic finale.
With extra time looming, Argentina struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
Mac Allister’s header crashed against the post before Messi reacted quickest to collect the rebound. The captain whipped a dangerous cross into the six-yard box where Lautaro Martinez rose highest to head home the winner and send Argentina into another World Cup final.
The victory continued Argentina’s remarkable trend of late goals throughout the tournament, with the Albiceleste once again finding the decisive breakthrough in the closing stages.
England had enjoyed an organised defensive display for much of the contest, but were ultimately undone by Messi’s quality and Argentina’s relentless attacking pressure.
The world champions will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final as they chase a fourth global title, while England’s wait for a first World Cup crown since 1966 goes on.
