Messi inspires late comeback as Argentina outperform England to reach World Cup final

Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in their Fifa World Cup 2026 semi-final on Wednesday (15 July), securing a place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

After a goalless but physical first half that featured 19 fouls and two yellow cards, England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished brilliantly from a Morgan Rogers cross to give the Three Lions the lead.

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez scores their second goal past England's Jordan Pickford at the Fifa World Cup Semi Final at Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, US on 15 July 2026. Photo: Reuters

Argentina pushed for an equaliser throughout the second half, with Jordan Pickford making several crucial saves to deny Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.

The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when Messi found Enzo Fernández on the edge of the box, and the midfielder fired home to level the score at 1-1.

With the match heading towards extra time, Messi once again turned provider in stoppage time, delivering a pinpoint cross for substitute Lautaro Martínez to head into an empty net in the 90+2nd minute and complete Argentina's stunning comeback.

Argentina's Enzo Fernandez scores their first goal during the FIFA World Cup semi-final match against England at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, US, on July 15, 2026. Photo: Reiters

England were unable to find an equaliser despite nine minutes of added time, as Lionel Scaloni's side held on to seal victory.

Argentina will play in the Fifa World Cup 2026 final against Spain on 19 July, while England's wait for a first World Cup title since 1966 continues.