Argentina score twice in the final minutes to beat England 2-1 and reach the 2026 World Cup final. Messi provides both assists.
Argentina scored twice in the final minutes to beat England 2-1 and reach the 2026 World Cup final. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck late after Anthony Gordon's opener, with Lionel Messi providing both assists.
Argentina have once again demonstrated their remarkable resilience, scoring two goals in the dying minutes to snatch a 2-1 victory over England in a dramatic World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium. The defending champions, who looked set for elimination after Anthony Gordon's second-half strike, produced a stunning late fightback to secure their place in Sunday's showpiece against Spain. The result added another unforgettable chapter to one of football's fiercest rivalries, a contest that was rich in history and tension from the opening whistle.
The first half was a tense and fractious affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. The midfield became a battleground as tactical fouls disrupted the rhythm of the game, and neither team managed a shot on target before the break. England's John Stones headed wide from a Declan Rice free-kick in the 33rd minute, while at the other end, Enzo Fernandez flashed a fierce effort over the crossbar. The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes into the second half, when England executed a slick move down the right.
Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, and Gordon was on hand to guide a controlled finish past Emiliano Martinez, sparking bedlam among the England players and fans. With a precious lead, England appeared poised to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, but manager Thomas Tuchel's decision to adopt a more defensive approach proved costly as the game wore on. Argentina, who had already fought back from difficult positions earlier in the tournament against Egypt, Cape Verde, and Switzerland, began to lay siege to the England goal.
Argentina's relentless pressure finally told in the 85th minute when Messi, who had been moved to the right wing, combined from a short corner to find Fernandez in space on the edge of the box. The Chelsea midfielder took a touch before lashing a stunning 25-yard strike into the far corner beyond Jordan Pickford, leveling the scores. With England reeling, Argentina pushed for a winner and found it deep in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, after Alexis Mac Allister's low drive struck the post, the 39-year-old Messi collected the loose ball and delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home from close range.
The result means England's 60-year wait for a second World Cup title continues, while Argentina will now face Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. For Messi, who provided two assists to take his World Cup tally to a record 12, the victory keeps his quest for a second consecutive world crown alive in what is widely expected to be his final appearance at the tournament.
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