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

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.

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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