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.

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.

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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

Spain Silence France, March into World Cup Final in Style

Spain produced a tactical masterclass to dismantle tournament favourites France 2-0 on Tuesday, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup final and ending Les Bleus’ quest for a third world title with a commanding display in Arlington, Texas.

The reigning European champions combined discipline, composure and ruthless efficiency to neutralise France’s star-studded attack before goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed a deserved victory at the AT&T Stadium. Spain, champions in 2010, will now face either Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in New Jersey

France arrived in the semi-final as the competition’s most feared side after an impressive, high-scoring run, boasting an attacking quartet of captain Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise. But Spain’s organised defence and dominant midfield ensured the French forwards were largely kept quiet throughout the contest.

Having beaten France in their previous two competitive meetings, Spain showed no signs of caution despite pre-match promises to attack. Their midfield trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, overwhelming Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni to seize complete control of possession.

France briefly threatened on the counterattack, with Pau Cubarsi producing a crucial block to deny Mbappe in the 16th minute, but Spain’s growing dominance soon paid off.

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The breakthrough came in the 20th minute after Marc Cucurella’s cross caused confusion in the French penalty area. Lucas Digne, attempting to clear the danger, instead caught Lamine Yamal, prompting referee Ivan Barton to award a penalty. Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way.

France’s problems deepened in the 31st minute when influential defender William Saliba limped off injured and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix.

Spain continued to create the better chances and almost doubled their advantage before halftime, only for Dayot Upamecano to make a vital block to deny Fabian Ruiz following a sweeping passing move. France finished the first half strongly, but goalkeeper Unai Simon made an outstanding intervention to prevent Mbappe from equalising.

Spain resumed after the break with the same authority, exposing France’s inability to wrest control of midfield. Their superiority was rewarded again in the 58th minute when Porro exchanged a delightful one-two with Olmo before coolly lifting his finish beyond Maignan to make it 2-0.

Spain thought they had added a third just three minutes later, but Lamine Yamal’s effort was ruled out for a marginal offside.

France coach Didier Deschamps responded with several substitutions, but his side struggled to break down Spain’s disciplined defence. Their best opportunity came when Mbappe’s effort at the near post was brilliantly blocked by Simon.

French frustration was evident in the closing stages as Mbappe was booked after a late challenge on the Spanish goalkeeper, while Spain comfortably saw out the match to reach their second World Cup final.

Meanwhile, attention now turns to Wednesday’s second semi-final in Atlanta, where England and Argentina renew one of football’s fiercest rivalries for the remaining place in the final.

The fixture carries deep historical significance, shaped by decades of sporting drama and political tensions surrounding the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas. The latest meeting comes 40 years after Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal inspired Argentina’s controversial 2-1 victory over England at the 1986 World Cup.

England captain Harry Kane insisted his side would remain focused on the football rather than the history.

“From a player’s point of view, it’s us against a great team who are smart, tactical, know how to buy fouls and slow the game down — like many teams you face throughout your career,” Kane told ITV.

AFP

Spain Silence France, March into World Cup Final in Style