World Cup: Messi Inspires Argentina's Late Fightback to Sink England, Book Final Spot

Defending champions Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was a tense affair, notable for being the first World Cup game since 1966 with no shots in the opening 30 minutes.

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Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final in what promises to be a blockbuster clash between the South American champions and the reigning European champions.

England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted a cross from Morgan Rogers. Gordon's goal marked a milestone as the first player from the previous Premier League season to score for England in the tournament. Despite increased pressure from Argentina, with Nicolás González and Alexis Mac Allister coming close, England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made several key saves.

The turning point came in the 85th minute. Lionel Messi provided an assist to Enzo Fernández, who scored from the edge of the area to level the score. As the match headed into stoppage time, Messi delivered another crucial pass, setting up substitute Lautaro Martínez for the winning header in the 92nd minute, sparking wild celebrations.

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Messi picked out Fernández on the edge of the area, and the Chelsea midfielder drilled a precise finish beyond Pickford to level the scores.

Messi's two assists were pivotal in Argentina reaching their second consecutive World Cup final. For England, the loss ended their campaign, despite captain Harry Kane earning his 121st international cap, becoming the country's most-capped outfield player. Argentina now faces Spain in the final, aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

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Messi again turned provider, delivering an inviting cross that Lautaro Martínez nodded into an empty net in the 92nd minute to spark wild celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters.