July 16, (THEWILL) — Argentina scored twice in the final five minutes to defeat England 2-1 and reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Lionel Messi provided assists for both goals as Enzo Fernández equalised before Lautaro Martínez netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
The defending champions will face Spain in Sunday’s final as they chase a historic second consecutive World Cup title.
Lionel Messi inspired another dramatic Argentina comeback as the defending champions scored twice in the closing stages to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday and book their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina, chasing a second consecutive world title, will now face Spain in Sunday’s final after La Roja defeated France 2-0 in the first semifinal.
The clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium appeared destined for England after Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike had put the Three Lions on course for their first World Cup final since 1966.
But Lionel Scaloni’s side once again demonstrated the resilience that has defined their title defence, producing two late goals to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The opening half was a cagey affair, with both teams cancelling each other out in midfield and creating few clear-cut chances.
Argentina emerged stronger after the restart, with Julián Álvarez immediately testing Jordan Pickford before firing another effort into the side netting.
Defender Cristian Romero was shown a yellow card in the 51st minute after bringing down Jude Bellingham, meaning both Argentine central defenders were playing under the threat of suspension.
Despite Argentina’s dominance, it was England who struck first.
Morgan Rogers delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area in the 55th minute, and Anthony Gordon arrived unmarked to guide a first-time finish beyond Emiliano Martínez for his first goal of the tournament, sending England’s supporters into celebration.
The goal forced Argentina to raise the intensity, and Pickford was called into action several times to preserve England’s advantage.
The Everton goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny Nico González’s header before Alexis Mac Allister struck the post with a header from Rodrigo De Paul’s delivery.
Both managers turned to their benches as the contest entered its closing stages.
Argentina introduced Nico González, Nicolás Otamendi, Gonzalo Montiel, and De Paul, while England reinforced their defence with Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly.
The pressure finally paid off five minutes from time.
After Mac Allister’s effort was deflected behind for a corner, Messi rolled the ball to Enzo Fernández, whose curling left-footed strike from outside the area flew beyond Pickford to level the scores in the 85th minute.
With extra time looming, Argentina found one more decisive moment.
Deep into stoppage time, Mac Allister’s shot crashed against the post before Messi reacted quickest, collecting the rebound and driving down the right flank.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered a precise cross into the six-yard box, where Lautaro Martínez powered home the winning header to complete a remarkable turnaround.
The victory continues Argentina’s remarkable habit of producing decisive late goals throughout the tournament and keeps alive their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup.
Although Messi did not score, he produced assists for both goals to maintain his outstanding tournament.
The captain now has eight goals and two assists, drawing level with France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
For England, the defeat brings another painful end to a promising campaign after coming within minutes of reaching a first World Cup final in six decades.
Argentina will now meet Spain in Sunday’s showpiece as two of the tournament’s most consistent teams battle for football’s biggest prize.
Spain is seeking a second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph, while Argentina stands one victory away from cementing their place among the greatest World Cup teams in history.
