Messi magic sinks England, sends Argentina into World Cup final

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, securing a place in the final against Spain.

England looked set for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock early in the second half, giving the Three Lions a 1-0 lead and putting them within touching distance of their first World Cup final in 60 years.

However, the defending champions responded in emphatic fashion, with Messi orchestrating the comeback.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner created the equaliser in the 85th minute, setting up Enzo Fernández, who fired past Jordan Pickford to level the scores and swing the momentum in Argentina’s favour.

As the match entered stoppage time, Messi delivered another moment of brilliance. His perfectly weighted cross found substitute Lautaro Martínez, who headed into an empty net in the 92nd minute to complete Argentina’s dramatic turnaround and seal a 2-1 victory.

England battled bravely throughout the contest and created several opportunities, but Argentina’s experience and composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive.

The victory keeps Argentina’s dream of successfully defending the World Cup alive and moves Lionel Scaloni’s side one step closer to lifting a fourth world title.

For England, the defeat ends another promising World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion, extending the nation’s long wait for a second World Cup crown since its triumph in 1966.

Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final after the Europeans defeated France 2-0 in the first semi-final. England, meanwhile, will take on France in the third-place playoff.