Messi Inspires Argentina’s Late Fightback to Defeat England and Reach 2026 World Cup Final
By Biliamin Abdulmumeen
Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday, booking their place in the final of the 2026 tournament after a dramatic semifinal clash.
England looked on course for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions ahead in the 55th minute, putting the European side within touching distance of their first World Cup final in decades.
The South Americans, however, refused to surrender and piled pressure on England in the closing stages of the encounter.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when midfielder Enzo Fernández found the back of the net with a composed finish to restore parity and swing the momentum in Argentina’s favour.
As the match appeared destined for extra time, Argentina delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. Captain Lionel Messi produced a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martínez rose highest to power a header past the England goalkeeper, completing a stunning turnaround and sending the reigning champions into the final.
The dramatic victory ensures Argentina remain on course to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy, reaching their second consecutive World Cup final after lifting the title in Qatar in 2022.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will now face Spain in Sunday’s final, with both football powerhouses set to battle for the biggest prize in international football.
England, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after seeing their hopes of ending decades of World Cup disappointment slip away in the closing moments of the contest.
