By Nasiru Ibrahim
Another Lionel Messi masterclass inspired Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England, securing the defending champions a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The second semi-final, played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, saw England take the lead in the 58th minute when Anthony Gordon finished from close range after connecting with a pinpoint cross from Morgan Rogers.
Argentina responded with renewed intensity, dominating possession and mounting sustained pressure on the England defence. As the game entered its closing stages, Lionel Messi took control, orchestrating his side’s attacking play and leading the fightback.
The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Messi laid the ball into the path of Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a stunning strike from almost 30 yards to bring Argentina level.
Just when the match appeared destined for extra time, Messi once again produced a moment of brilliance. Deep into stoppage time (90+3 minutes), he delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martínez rose highest to power home a superb header, completing Argentina’s remarkable comeback.
The 2-1 victory sends Argentina into a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, where they will face European champions Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the first semi-final played on Tuesday.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is now set for a mouth-watering final on Sunday, as the reigning world champions, Argentina, take on the reigning European champions, Spain, in a blockbuster showdown for football’s biggest prize.
