Messi sparks last-gasp Argentina comeback to beat England, reach World Cup final

By Hoang Nguyen          JUL. 16, 2026

Argentina scored twice in the closing stages through Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, both assisted by Lionel Messi, to overturn a one-goal deficit and defeat England 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, booking a blockbuster final against Spain.

  • 90'+12
    Game over! Argentina are going to the final!

    England only have themselves to blame for not being able to maintain the lead and conceding two goals in six minutes. Argentina will play the World Cup final again and will have the chance to defend the title against Spain!

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    Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Lautaro Martinez scored their side's second goal during the World Cup semifinal football match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Photo by AP

  • 90'+6

    Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney came on for Stones and Spence. England have three minutes to save themselves.

  • 90'+2
    Goal for Argentina!

    England really deserved this for that performance. Mac Allister's long shot hit the post and found Messi, who crossed it in for Lautaro Martinez to head it in for Argentina. This might be the winning goal for them.

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    Argentina's Lautaro Martinez (22) scores his side's second goal during the World Cup semifinal football match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Photo by AP

  • 90'

    The second half will have nine minutes.

  • 88'

    England need to get to full time, but with what was happening, can they do it?

  • 86'
    Argentina score!

    Fernandez was left with too much space again and this time, his long-range attempt beat Pickford.

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    England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (1) fails to stop a shot by Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) as he scores his side's first goal during the World Cup semifinal football match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Photo by AP

  • 85'

    It's super Pickford again with a stunning save against Fernandez's long-range shot.

  • 82'

    England also made their changes, with Nico O'Reilly and Dan Burn coming on for James and Guehi. England are betting it all on defending.

  • 80'

    Last sub for Argentina: Lautaro Martinez are in for Tagliafico. Argentina have used all the cards now.

  • 77'

    The problem with England is that they left Argentina with too much possession and space after conceding, despite playing defensively.

 

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