FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi's Argentina stun England in comeback to reach World Cup final
Updated On: 16 July, 2026 03:05 AM IST | Atlanta (USA) | AFP
The prospect of a first World Cup final appearance since their sole triumph 60 years ago was a momentous one, and they were so close, but will live to regret sitting back after Gordon's opener.

Argentina's forward Lautaro Martinez celebrates with teammates forward Lionel Messi and midfielder #08 Valentin Barco scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between England and Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta. Pic/AFP
Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain. England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time in the semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.
But the great rivalry between these nations has produced several memorable contests on the World Cup stage down the years and this will be remembered as the stuff of legends in Argentina as the South Americans denied England with two late sucker punches. Messi set up Enzo Fernandez to fire in an 85th-minute equaliser and then, with extra time looming, crossed for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.




