Argentina Beats England 2-1 in World Cup 2026 Semifinal as Messi Leads Team to Final
Defending champion Argentina came from a goal down to overcome England 2-1 on Wednesday and reach the World Cup final. Argentina fell behind 1-0 with under five minutes to play in regulation time, but Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez both scored. Anthony Gordon had put England ahead but Lionel Messi and Co had other ideas. Argentina will meet Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Argentina's Stunning Late Comeback
Argentina kept on pressing for the equalizer and their pressure paid off as Fernandez scored in the 85th minute. Martinez scored the goal with a header in the 92nd minute of injury time, completing the comeback.
England made two substitutions in the 82nd, bringing on Dan Burn for defender Reece James and Nico O’Reilly for midfielder Declan Rice, aiming to protect their 1-0 lead. Argentina were up three minutes later when Enzo Fernández shot in from outside the box. Lautaro Martínez, who had entered the match shortly before, headed in a pinpoint cross from Messi to seal the victory.
Messi’s Magic and the Golden Boot Race
Lionel Messi again produced a pinpoint pass into the box that represented a late kill for England. Messi got the ball on the right, made a couple of steps and then put in a superb cross across the goal for Lautaro Martinez to force a header in from close range.
Messi had two assists on Argentina’s late goals, his third and fourth assists of the World Cup. That puts him ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot contest, where both players are tied at eight goals apiece, with assists serving as the first tiebreaker.
Post-Match Scenes: Joy and Heartbreak
Argentina players – many with their shirts off — danced and sang in front of their fans following their triumph. Messi grabbed England’s Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford for handshakes and hugs on the pitch after the match.
England players moved closer to their fans after the loss, giving them modest applause, still looking in amazement. They made their way back to the locker-room, passing directly by Argentine fans who jeered them off the field. A large portion of the England supporters departed right after the game.
