Messi magic crushes England as Argentina stage dramatic comeback to reach World Cup final

• Martinez’s stoppage-time winner sends Argentina into final after England collapse

England’s dream of ending a 60-year wait for a World Cup final appearance was shattered in agonising fashion on Wednesday as Lionel Messi orchestrated a sensational late comeback that propelled defending champions Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 victory and a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.

With the Three Lions appearing destined for a famous triumph after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener, Argentina produced a breathtaking finale, striking twice in the closing seven minutes. Enzo Fernandez restored parity in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi’s pinpoint cross in stoppage time, silencing the 68,239 spectators at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and leaving England devastated.

For much of the contest, Thomas Tuchel’s men frustrated the South Americans with disciplined pressing and defensive organisation. Gordon’s clinical finish early in the second half seemed to reward England’s impressive display, but the decision to retreat and protect the slender lead proved costly as Argentina tightened their grip on possession and relentlessly piled on the pressure.

Messi, who had been relatively subdued for long spells, came alive when it mattered most. Operating from the right flank in the closing stages, the 39-year-old maestro unlocked England’s defence with two decisive assists to send Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face European champions Spain in New Jersey.

The victory further enriched Messi’s extraordinary World Cup legacy. Four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar, the Argentine captain is now on course to win a second straight title, having already amassed eight goals and four assists at the 2026 tournament.

England captain Harry Kane admitted his side paid the price for abandoning their attacking approach after taking the lead.

“I’m gutted for the boys, the staff and the fans,” Kane said. “We played well for most of the game, but once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, that’s simply not enough.”

Kane insisted Tuchel’s instructions were to continue attacking, but England gradually surrendered territory as Argentina dominated possession.

“We struggled to get pressure on the ball after the goal,” he said. “In the first half and early in the second we pressed them really well and controlled the game. But afterwards it became wave after wave of attacks, and eventually they found a way through.”

Despite the painful defeat, Kane urged his teammates to draw confidence from another deep run at a major tournament.

“We’ve had a lot of good moments in this tournament and reached another semi-final. It feels like we’re always knocking on the door. We’re close, but we still need to find that missing piece.”

Messi’s influence in the closing stages underlined why he remains one of football’s greatest match-winners. The Argentine icon completed nine successful dribbles, created four chances, delivered nine crosses and registered both assists. Remarkably, he matched England’s entire team for touches inside the opposition penalty area.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hailed his captain’s enduring brilliance.

“He’s the best player in history,” Scaloni said. “I don’t know what else he has to do to prove it.”

Former England defender Micah Richards echoed that sentiment, saying: “They have Lionel Messi. They have the greatest of all time. These are the moments that define legends.”

For England, another promising World Cup campaign ended in bitter disappointment. For Messi and Argentina, however, the quest for back-to-back world titles remains alive, with only Spain now standing between the Albiceleste and another date with football immortality.

Messi inspires Argentina to dramatic victory over England, sets up Spain final

Defending champions Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday night, booking their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

The reigning world champions looked destined for elimination after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead early in the second half. The Three Lions appeared on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, but Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest players.

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Gordon capitalised on a swift attacking move to put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead. The goal handed England the advantage and left Argentina chasing the game with time running out.

As the pressure mounted, Lionel Messi took control of the contest. The 39-year-old captain orchestrated Argentina’s comeback with two moments of brilliance in the closing stages.

Messi first delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Enzo Fernandez, who fired a powerful shot beyond England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 85th minute to restore parity.

READ ALSO:

• Delta Police Arrest Content Creator Over Alleged Rape, Death of Nursing Student
• APC Guber Candidate Sharafadeen Alli Gifts Brand-New Toyota Camry to Rescued Oyo Principal
• Oluwo of Iwoland Confers ‘Atayese of Yorubaland’ Chieftaincy Title on VeryDarkMan

With the match heading towards extra time, Argentina struck again in dramatic fashion. Deep into stoppage time, Messi floated a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martinez rose above England’s defence to head home the winning goal and send Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final.

Although Messi did not score, he produced a match-winning display by providing both assists and dictating Argentina’s attacking play throughout the encounter. His latest performance further strengthened his remarkable World Cup legacy as he continues to inspire the South American giants in pursuit of back-to-back world titles.

The victory also highlights the resilience of Lionel Scaloni’s side, who have repeatedly fought back from difficult situations during the tournament. Argentina have now reached consecutive World Cup finals and remain on course to successfully defend the trophy they lifted in Qatar in 2022.

For England, the heartbreaking defeat extends the nation’s 60-year wait for a second FIFA World Cup title. Thomas Tuchel’s men came within minutes of ending that long drought before Argentina’s late turnaround shattered their hopes.

England will now face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff after Didier Deschamps’ side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the other semi-final.

Attention now shifts to Sunday’s highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Lionel Messi’s Argentina will battle Lamine Yamal-led Spain for football’s biggest prize. Argentina will be aiming to retain their world crown, while Spain seek to become world champions for the first time since their historic triumph in 2010.

With Messi chasing another unforgettable chapter in his illustrious career and Spain eager to usher in a new era under their exciting young stars, the final promises to be one of the biggest spectacles in World Cup history.

Messi inspires Argentina to dramatic victory over England, sets up Spain final

Arsenal, Barcelona battle to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez amid transfer hurdles

Arsenal and Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, setting the stage for one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer as both European giants seek to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.

The Argentina international, currently on duty at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in world football following an outstanding debut campaign with Atletico Madrid after his move from Manchester City.

Despite growing interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Atletico Madrid remain determined to keep the 25-year-old striker, insisting he is a central figure in manager Diego Simeone’s long-term plans.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Arsenal have already held preliminary discussions with Atletico Madrid at ownership level, with communication channels remaining open as the Premier League club explores the possibility of completing a blockbuster transfer.

The Gunners are believed to view Alvarez as the ideal striker to lead their attack, thanks to his versatility, clinical finishing, relentless work rate and ability to play across multiple attacking positions.

Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, is also expected to play a significant role in any negotiations. Berta previously served as Atletico Madrid’s sporting director before joining Arsenal, giving him valuable knowledge of the Spanish club’s structure and transfer strategy.

However, Arsenal face two significant obstacles.

The first is Atletico Madrid’s refusal to negotiate the sale of one of their most valuable players. Club officials reportedly have no intention of entertaining offers unless an extraordinary proposal is submitted.

The second challenge is Alvarez’s personal preference.

Reports in Spain suggest the Argentine forward would favour a move to Barcelona if he eventually decides to leave Atletico Madrid. His family are also understood to prefer remaining in Spain, making a move to England less attractive despite Arsenal’s strong interest.

Barcelona have equally refused to abandon their pursuit.

READ ALSO:

• Gunmen Invade Kogi School During NECO Exam, Abduct Principal, Four Students
• Lagos Police Bust N1.02bn Vehicle Fraud Syndicate, Recover Exotic Vehicles
• Police Rescue Three Kidnapped AAU Students, Neutralise Suspect in Fierce Gun Battle

Club president Joan Laporta confirmed that Barcelona’s offer of more than £100 million remains on the table, while reports indicate the Catalan giants are prepared to increase their proposal to around £110 million (€130 million) plus performance-related bonuses after the FIFA World Cup.

Laporta disclosed that he had personally discussed the matter with Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Gil Marin, who informed him that the club was unwilling to sell because it had not identified a suitable replacement for Alvarez.

According to Laporta, Barcelona’s offer remains valid, although it will not remain open indefinitely.

The transfer saga has also exposed growing tension between the two La Liga clubs.

Relations between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly deteriorated significantly during negotiations, with Miguel Gil Marin accusing Barcelona of showing “disrespect” throughout the pursuit of the Argentine striker.

That strained relationship is believed to have further complicated Barcelona’s chances of reaching an agreement despite Alvarez’s reported desire to remain in Spain.

Interestingly, sources close to the negotiations suggest Atletico Madrid would privately be more willing to negotiate with Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain than with Barcelona if Alvarez eventually requests a transfer.

Nevertheless, Atletico are expected to demand a transfer fee comfortably exceeding £100 million, reflecting Alvarez’s importance to the club and his long-term contract.

The striker has become one of Europe’s most highly valued forwards after winning numerous trophies with Manchester City, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, before moving to Atletico Madrid.

On the international stage, Alvarez has enjoyed remarkable success with Argentina, helping the South American nation win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa America and the Finalissima.

Adding another twist to the transfer saga, reports claim Real Madrid also tested Atletico’s resolve by submitting a bid worth around €150 million (£130 million), only for the offer to be rejected immediately.

Atletico Madrid reportedly pointed to Alvarez’s massive release clause and reiterated that the striker remains non-transferable unless circumstances change.

Once Argentina’s World Cup campaign concludes, Alvarez is expected to take a short holiday before returning to Atletico Madrid for pre-season training.

The player is also expected to hold discussions with Atletico’s hierarchy regarding his future, although there is currently no indication that he intends to force an exit.

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, signing Alvarez would represent a major statement of intent as the club seeks to challenge for the Premier League title and compete strongly in the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona, meanwhile, see Alvarez as a long-term cornerstone of their rebuilding project and remain hopeful that the player’s preference could eventually work in their favour.

With the summer transfer window gathering momentum, Alvarez’s future is expected to remain one of the biggest talking points in European football until a final decision is reached.

Arsenal, Barcelona battle to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez amid transfer hurdles