Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable performance as Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2 to 1, securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. The defending champions scored twice in the final seven minutes to keep alive their dream of winning back to back World Cup titles.
England looked set to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave his side the lead in the 55th minute. The goal came after Declan Rice intercepted a loose clearance and found Morgan Rogers, whose cross was calmly finished by Gordon at the far post.
As the match entered its closing stages, Argentina increased the pressure and finally found the breakthrough in the 85th minute. Lionel Messi created space before delivering a perfectly timed pass to Enzo Fernandez, who fired a powerful long range shot beyond Jordan Pickford to level the score.
Argentina completed the remarkable turnaround in stoppage time when Alexis Mac Allister’s effort struck the post. Messi reacted quickly to recover the ball before producing an accurate cross that was headed home by substitute Lautaro Martinez, sealing a memorable victory for the South American champions.
The win sends Argentina into a second consecutive FIFA World Cup Final, where they will have the opportunity to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title. It also marked another milestone for 39 year old Lionel Messi, who is widely expected to be playing in the final World Cup of his legendary career.
For England, the defeat was heartbreaking after producing an impressive display for much of the match. Despite leading for more than half an hour, Thomas Tuchel’s side could not withstand Argentina’s relentless late attack, extending England’s wait for another World Cup final to 60 years.
Messi’s two decisive assists once again highlighted his extraordinary influence, proving that even at the age of 39, he remains one of football’s greatest match winners.
