Sports Argentina Beat England 2-1 as Messi Sends Champions into World Cup Final Adarsh SinghJuly 16, 2026019 views How Did Messi Inspire Argentina’s Dramatic Comeback Against England? Lionel Messi once again delivered on football’s biggest stage as Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal, booking their place in Sunday’s final against Spain. After trailing for much of the second half following Anthony Gordon’s opener, the defending champions staged a stunning comeback in the final moments at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Enzo Fernandez restored parity in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi’s cross in stoppage time to seal a dramatic victory. The result keeps Argentina on course to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. How Did the Match Unfold? The semifinal was fiercely contested from the opening whistle, with England frustrating Argentina through disciplined defending and physical play. For long periods, England successfully limited Messi’s influence and looked capable of reaching their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966. Their breakthrough came midway through the second half when Anthony Gordon capitalised on England’s best attacking opportunity to put Gareth Southgate’s side ahead. However, Argentina refused to surrender. With five minutes remaining, Messi drifted into space, attracting multiple England defenders before releasing Enzo Fernandez, who fired home the equaliser from outside the penalty area. Moments later, Messi produced the decisive contribution once again. The Argentine captain delivered a precise right-footed cross into the box, where substitute Lautaro Martinez, introduced only four minutes earlier, powered a header past Jordan Pickford in the second minute of stoppage time to complete the turnaround. Argentina scored twice within six minutes and 24 seconds, ending England’s hopes in heartbreaking fashion. Recode Studios Acquires 51% Stake in Aflairza to Strengthen Premium Beauty Portfolio READ MORE Messi Once Again Proves Decisive Although England largely succeeded in limiting Messi for much of the match, the Argentine captain required only two moments to decide the contest. His intelligent movement drew defenders away before setting up Fernandez’s equaliser, while his pinpoint delivery created Martinez’s winning goal. It was another reminder of Messi’s ability to influence matches even when he is not dominating possession or creating constant chances. His leadership and composure once again proved decisive on football’s biggest stage. Match Statistics Tell Argentina’s Story While England defended impressively for long spells, the overall numbers reflected Argentina’s growing control, particularly after conceding. Argentina finished with: 64% possession 537 accurate passes 1.84 expected goals (xG) Three big chances created Three saves forced from Jordan Pickford England, meanwhile, recorded: 36% possession 273 accurate passes Only one big chance Two shots on target The statistics underline how Argentina steadily increased the pressure throughout the second half before finally breaking England’s resistance. A Fierce Rivalry Rekindled England and Argentina had not faced each other for 21 years, but the historic rivalry immediately resurfaced. The atmosphere was intense even before kickoff, with supporters from both nations jeering during the national anthems. The opening exchanges were dominated by physical challenges rather than attacking football. Within seconds, Jude Bellingham was brought down by Leandro Paredes. Shortly afterwards, Enzo Fernandez caught Elliot Anderson from behind, prompting appeals from England’s players. Anderson later responded with a robust tackle of his own as tensions continued to rise. According to Opta, the opening 30 minutes produced 12 fouls and no shots, the first such occurrence in a FIFA World Cup match since records began in 1966. England’s Long Wait Continues England’s defeat extends their wait for another World Cup final appearance to more than six decades. Having taken the lead against the defending champions, they looked within touching distance of a historic victory before Argentina’s late resurgence. Despite their disciplined defensive display, England struggled to create attacking opportunities after Gordon’s goal and found themselves pinned back for much of the closing stages. Their campaign is not yet over, however. England will now face France in the third-place playoff in Miami on Saturday (2:30 AM IST on Sunday). Argentina Set Up Blockbuster Final Argentina will now meet Spain in what promises to be one of the biggest finals in recent World Cup history. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday (12:30 AM IST on Monday). Victory would see Argentina become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup, further cementing Lionel Messi’s extraordinary international legacy. After another unforgettable comeback led by their captain, the defending champions are now just one win away from making history once again.