Messi magic stuns England, Argentina reaches World Cup final
Photo: REUTERS
Argentina shattered England’s dreams of a first final in 60 years, mounting a spectacular late comeback in Atlanta to win 2-1 and secure a FIFA World Cup 2026 final berth against Spain.
The dramatic turnaround, orchestrated by two Lionel Messi assists, moves La Albiceleste toward their seventh final and a potential world crown retention.
The match revived a historic rivalry with a scoreline mirroring their famous encounter 40 years ago in Mexico City. Following a cagey opening, John Stones missed the first real chance in the 33rd minute, nodding a Declan Rice free-kick wide.
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez responded by firing a fierce shot over the bar. After the interval, Jordan Pickford denied Julian Alvarez following a long ball that beat Djed Spence.
England broke through in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers, one of three players Thomas Tuchel reinstated to the starting lineup, delivered a low cross that Anthony Gordon steered home after getting ahead of Nahuel Molina.
England then defended deeply as Argentina’s intensity rose. Djed Spence made a vital tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone, while Pickford saved a Nico Gonzalez header and Alexis Mac Allister hit the post.
The pressure finally broke England in the 85th minute when Messi found Fernandez from a short corner for a magnificent shot from outside the box.
In the 90+2nd minute, Messi recycled the danger after another Mac Allister post-strike, delivering a right-foot cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to bury the winner. The recovery echoed Argentina’s Round of 16 comeback against Egypt.
