England Collapse, Messi Magic: How Clinical Argentina Set Up World Cup Final Clash With Spain
Lionel Messi produced another masterclass as defending champions Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup semi-final, setting up a blockbuster final against Spain.
England looked destined for a first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead in the 55th minute following an excellent cross from Morgan Rogers.
However, Argentina staged a stunning late comeback, inspired by the brilliance of Messi, as Enzo Fernandez levelled five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner in stoppage time from the veteran captain’s pinpoint cross.
The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will attempt to defend their title against Spain on Sunday, while England must now face France in the third-place play-off.
The semi-final began as a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams committing numerous fouls in a physical first half.
Fernandez came closest for Argentina with a long-range effort, but England capitalised after the break when Gordon finished expertly at the far post to hand the Three Lions the advantage.
Rather than extending their lead, England retreated deeper into their own half, inviting relentless Argentine pressure.
Jordan Pickford produced several outstanding saves, including a superb stop to deny Nico Gonzalez, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork as Argentina intensified their search for an equaliser.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute when Fernandez unleashed a brilliant 25-yard strike beyond Pickford after a cleverly worked corner involving Messi.
With England struggling to cope, Argentina completed the turnaround in the second minute of stoppage time as Messi delivered an inviting cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home the decisive goal.
Messi was once again the difference-maker.
The 39-year-old registered two assists, completed nine successful dribbles, created four chances, delivered nine crosses and dominated England throughout the closing stages after drifting to the right flank.
The Argentine captain has now scored eight goals and provided four assists at the 2026 World Cup, strengthening his bid for both the Golden Boot and the tournament’s Best Player award.
Remarkably, he has now scored or assisted in 13 consecutive matches for club and country.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni hailed his captain after another match-winning display.
“He’s the best player in history. I don’t know what else he has to do to prove that,” Scaloni said.
England captain Harry Kane admitted his side struggled to contain the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner when it mattered most.
“For large parts of the game we dealt with him really well, but as always with the most dangerous players in the world, when they have the ball they can create something.
He’s one of the best players ever for a reason,” Kane said.
Argentina will now aim to retain the World Cup when they face an impressive Spain side in Sunday’s final, while Messi stands on the brink of adding another historic chapter to an already legendary career.
