Two assists from 39-year-old Lionel Messi lift the holders past Thomas Tuchel’s side into the showpiece match in New York New Jersey.
ATLANTA — July 16, 2026 — Defending champions Argentina staged a stunning late fightback to defeat England 2-1 at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, securing their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final. Trailing to a 55th-minute Anthony Gordon strike, La Albiceleste turned the semi-final around in the closing minutes with goals from Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez, both assisted by captain Lionel Messi. The dramatic victory sets up a highly anticipated championship showdown against Spain this Sunday in New York New Jersey.
The high-stakes semi-final revived one of international football’s most intense historical rivalries, ultimately concluding with the exact 2-1 scoreline seen in their famous 1986 quarter-final encounter. The match began as a cagey, intensely contested tactical battle under England manager Thomas Tuchel, with neither side registering a shot on goal until the 33rd minute, when John Stones headed wide from a Declan Rice free-kick.
England broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half. Morgan Rogers, recalled to the starting lineup, delivered a precise low cross from the right wing, allowing Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon to slide ahead of Nahuel Molina and slot a controlled finish past Emiliano Martinez.
As England retreated deeper into a defensive block to preserve their lead, Argentina intensified their attacking pressure. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford pulled off a string of fine saves to deny Julian Alvarez and substitute Nico Gonzalez, while Alexis Mac Allister hit the post with a header.
Argentina’s relentless pressure finally broke the English defense in the 85th minute. Executing a short-corner routine, Messi squared the ball to Enzo Fernandez, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty box that beat Pickford into the top corner.
With the match seemingly destined for extra time, Argentina found the winner two minutes into stoppage time. After Mac Allister struck the post for a second time, Messi kept the play alive and floated a precise cross to the far post, where substitute Lautaro Martinez buried the header to seal Argentina’s seventh World Cup final appearance.
