🚨 Argentina stun England with dramatic comeback as Messi marches into another World Cup final
England’s dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final ended in heartbreaking fashion after Argentina produced a stunning late turnaround to claim a 2-1 victory in Atlanta and book a blockbuster showdown with Spain.
Thomas Tuchel’s side looked on course for one of their greatest modern victories after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the first half. England defended bravely for long periods and appeared to frustrate Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions, with Jordan Pickford making several crucial saves and Jude Bellingham driving the midfield with his usual intensity.
But as the match entered its closing stages, Argentina’s quality finally told. Lionel Scaloni’s substitutions injected fresh energy into the contest, while Messi continued to dictate attacks with his trademark vision and composure. The breakthrough came five minutes from time when Enzo Fernandez found space inside the penalty area and calmly slotted home the equaliser, silencing thousands of England supporters.
With extra time looming, Argentina delivered one final blow. Deep into stoppage time, Messi drifted into space before helping create the decisive attack, and Lautaro Martinez rose highest to power a header beyond Pickford, completing an astonishing comeback that shattered England’s hopes of ending nearly six decades of World Cup pain.
The defeat will raise fresh questions about England’s game management after surrendering a winning position so late in the match. Tuchel’s substitutions and tactical adjustments are certain to come under scrutiny, particularly after the Three Lions struggled to regain control once Argentina increased the tempo during the closing minutes.
For Argentina, however, the victory further cements Messi’s remarkable World Cup legacy. At 39, the captain once again inspired his country on the biggest stage, moving one step closer to winning back-to-back World Cup titles. His influence extended far beyond statistics, as his leadership, movement and decision-making repeatedly unsettled England throughout the evening.
The defending champions will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final after Luis de la Fuente’s side comfortably defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final. It promises to be a fascinating clash between Spain’s youthful brilliance and Argentina’s experience, with Messi hoping to finish another unforgettable tournament by lifting football’s biggest prize once again.
Meanwhile, England must quickly regroup ahead of the third-place play-off against France, wondering how a place in the final slipped away in the space of just a few devastating minutes.
