Messi inspires dramatic late comeback as Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner sets up final against Spain
ATLANTA: Defending champions Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final on Wednesday, with substitute Lautaro Martínez scoring a stoppage-time winner to book a blockbuster final against Spain.
Lionel Messi inspired the reigning world champions as Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit in the closing stages before a crowd of 68,239 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
England appeared on course for their first World Cup final since their 1966 triumph after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead 10 minutes into the second half.
However, Argentina struck twice in the final minutes. Enzo Fernández levelled the score in the 85th minute before Martínez headed home Messi’s pinpoint cross in the second minute of added time to complete a remarkable turnaround.
England squander winning position
The fiercely contested encounter produced few clear-cut opportunities in the opening half as both sides battled for control in a tense affair marked by frequent fouls and physical challenges.
England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Harry Kane helped launch an attack that ended with Morgan Rogers delivering a low cross from the right. Gordon timed his run perfectly to beat Nahuel Molina and finish from close range.
The goal appeared to put England within touching distance of a historic final, but Argentina gradually increased the pressure.
Jordan Pickford kept England ahead with an outstanding save from Nico González’s header, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as Argentina searched for an equaliser.
Messi leads Argentina’s fightback
Argentina’s persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Messi found Enzo Fernández on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder controlled the pass before firing beyond Pickford to level the match.
With momentum firmly on Argentina’s side, Mac Allister hit the woodwork again before England failed to clear their lines in stoppage time.
Messi then delivered a superb cross into the box, where substitute Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winner and spark jubilant celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters.
Argentina to face Spain in final
The victory keeps alive Argentina’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup.
It also sends Messi into his third World Cup final, making him only the second player after Brazil’s Cafu to achieve that milestone.
Argentina will now face European champions Spain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, while England will meet France in Saturday’s third-place play-off.
For England, the defeat was a bitter disappointment after coming within minutes of reaching their first World Cup final in six decades. Despite taking the lead, Thomas Tuchel’s side were unable to withstand Argentina’s late surge and were left devastated at the final whistle.