Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final, with captain Lionel Messi providing two decisive assists.
England looked set to reach their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead early in the second half.
However, Argentina mounted a late comeback as Messi’s creativity proved decisive, helping the defending champions overturn the deficit and secure a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
England’s lead slips away
The Three Lions took the lead in the 55th minute when Gordon found the back of the net after England had matched Argentina throughout a fiercely contested encounter.
Tuchel’s men defended well for much of the second half and appeared to be closing in on a famous victory.
But Argentina increased the pressure in the closing stages and eventually found a breakthrough.
Messi inspires late turnaround
Messi, making his first World Cup appearance against England, delivered the pass that led to Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser in the 85th minute.
The midfielder produced a superb finish to level the score and shift the game in Argentina’s favour.
Deep into stoppage time, Messi was again at the centre of the action, setting up Lautaro Martinez, who converted the winning goal with a header to complete the comeback and send the reigning champions into another World Cup final.
The victory keeps Argentina on course to defend the title they won four years ago, while England’s long wait for a second World Cup triumph continues.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final after the European champions defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
England, meanwhile, will take on France in the third-place play-off after suffering another painful exit in the latter stages of a major tournament.
