ATLANTA: Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi inspiring the late comeback to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
England looked set to reach their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead early in the second half. However, Enzo Fernandez equalised five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi’s cross in stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Lionel Messi on the Semi-final stage 🇦🇷🤯#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/c2EALySuI4
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2026
England will now face France in the third-place play-off.
England Squander Advantage
A fiercely contested opening half was marked by numerous fouls as both sides battled for control in front of a packed crowd at Atlanta Stadium.
Argentina came close through Fernandez, whose long-range effort narrowly missed the target, but England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a precise cross from the right for Gordon to score at the far post.
Argentina responded strongly, forcing England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into a superb reflex save to deny Nico Gonzalez’s header.
Argentina’s Complete Dramatic Comeback
With England coming under increasing pressure, Alexis Mac Allister struck the post before Fernandez levelled the score with a powerful 25-yard strike five minutes from full-time.
Despite England reinforcing their defence in the closing stages, Argentina continued to press forward. Mac Allister hit the woodwork again before Martinez headed in the winning goal in the 92nd minute from a cross by Messi.
Messi Leads Argentina into Final
Messi played a decisive role in Argentina’s comeback, providing the assists for both late goals to send the defending champions into another World Cup final.
🇦🇷 El Obelisco, downtown Buenos Aires as Argentina see off England in the World Cup semi-final pic.twitter.com/Ghvmfh2TxF
— 📚 Tears at La Bombonera/Dame Bola (@BomboneraTears) July 15, 2026
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final as they seek to retain the World Cup title, while England’s wait for another men’s World Cup triumph since 1966 continues.
England manager Thomas Tuchel introduced additional defenders after his side took the lead, but the tactical shift failed to withstand Argentina’s sustained pressure.
The late defeat leaves England to contest the third-place play-off against France after falling just short of a place in the final.
