Kha Y Tran Argentina reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final after beating England 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal. England scored first early in the second half.
However, Argentina refused to give up. Instead, Lionel Messi inspired another comeback. He created both late goals. Enzo Fernandez equalized. Then, Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time. As a result, Argentina will face Spain in the final.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB2mK8eJli4
A Tight First Half
Both teams started with great intensity. Every tackle mattered. After all, a place in the World Cup final was on the line. Argentina made only one change. Giuliano Simeone replaced Rodrigo De Paul. Meanwhile, Messi partnered Julian Alvarez in attack.
England also changed the lineup. Morgan Rogers started on the right wing. Reece James and Djed Spence returned in defense. Meanwhile, Harry Kane led the attack once again.
Neither side created many clear chances. Instead, both teams defended well. As a result, the match quickly became physical.
The referee stayed busy throughout the half. Argentina committed 12 fouls. England made seven. Overall, there were 19 fouls before halftime.
Therefore, the first half ended 0-0.
Players from both sides fought relentlessly. (Photo: Reuters)
Players from both sides continued to exchange words as the first half ended. (Photo: Reuters)
Gordon Gives England the Lead
Argentina started the second half with more energy. In the 47th minute, Julian Alvarez forced Jordan Pickford into a fine save. It was the first big chance of the match.
England responded eight minutes later. Morgan Rogers sent a low cross into the box. Anthony Gordon arrived at the far post. He tapped the ball into the net. England led 1-0. The goal changed the match.
England dropped deeper to defend. Meanwhile, Argentina attacked with greater urgency.
Gordon put England ahead. (Photo: Reuters)
Pickford Keeps England Ahead
Argentina continued to push forward. Lionel Scaloni introduced fresh attackers. Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez added more pace and movement.
In the 69th minute, Pickford made a brilliant save. He denied Gonzalez with a quick reaction. Seven minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister hit the post with a header. England escaped once again.
Even so, Argentina stayed on the attack. They controlled possession. They also kept sending crosses into the box. As a result, England spent most of the half defending.
Finally, the pressure paid off.
Pickford saved England from a certain goal. (Photo: Reuters)
Messi Changes Everything
Messi stepped up at the perfect time. In the 86th minute, he slipped a smart pass to Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez fired a powerful shot into the corner. The score became 1-1.
Suddenly, the momentum changed. England looked tired. Meanwhile, Messi controlled the tempo. His passing created more danger with every attack.
Then came the winning moment.
Goalkeeper Pickford was helpless against the powerful shot. (Photo: Reuters
Lautaro Sends Argentina to the Final
Deep into stoppage time, Messi produced another brilliant assist. He delivered a cross from the right. Lautaro Martinez rose highest inside the box. He headed the ball past Pickford from close range.
Argentina took a 2-1 lead in the 90+2nd minute. England pushed forward one last time. However, Argentina defended calmly. Soon after, the referee blew the final whistle.
Argentina completed another dramatic comeback. The defending champions were through to the World Cup final.
Lautaro Martinez’s goal. (Photo: Reuters)
Messi Leads by Example
Messi did not score. However, he decided the match. He finished with two assists. Both came during the final minutes.
His vision made the difference. His passing unlocked England’s defense and leadership also kept Argentina calm under pressure.
Once again, Messi proved why he shines on football’s biggest stage.
England Miss Out
England defended well for most of the match. Jordan Pickford made several outstanding saves. Morgan Rogers also impressed with an assist for Gordon.
However, England could not keep possession after taking the lead. Instead, they stayed too deep. As a result, Argentina controlled the closing stages. Eventually, the pressure brought two late goals.
England will now face France in the third-place playoff.
Argentina Set Up Final Against Spain
Argentina are now one win away from defending their World Cup title. The team showed patience, belief, and character after falling behind. Most importantly, Messi once again delivered in a huge match.
Now, Argentina will meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. It promises to be one of the biggest games of the tournament.
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