Messi's two assists punish England as Argentina reach World Cup final

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·15 de julio de 2026

Messi's two assists punish England as Argentina reach World Cup final

Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2–1 in a World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium. Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal gave England the lead, but Enzo Fernández's spectacular equalizer in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez's stoppage-time header completed the turnaround.

Lionel Messi provided both assists as Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit in the final six minutes. The defending champions advance to face Spain in the final while England's tournament ends in heartbreak. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from England v Argentina.

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Winners

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi delivered the decisive contributions that sent Argentina to another World Cup final. With his team trailing entering the closing stages, the captain provided both assists that completed a dramatic comeback against England, turning a seemingly certain defeat into a famous victory.

Messi set up Enzo Fernández's equalizer in the 85th minute, working a short corner routine before threading a pass to the edge of the area. Seven minutes later, he collected the ball on the right flank, evaded his marker, and delivered a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martínez to head home the winner at 90+2'.

The 2–1 victory means Argentina will defend their World Cup title against Spain in the final. Messi's ability to produce decisive moments when it mattered most proved the difference, with both goals arriving from his precise final passes when England appeared to have the match under control.

Enzo Fernández (Argentina)

Enzo Fernández scored the spectacular equalizer that sparked Argentina's comeback. His curling strike from outside the box in the 85th minute gave Jordan Pickford no chance, transforming the match and providing the platform for the late winner.

After Leandro Paredes' substitution at 64 minutes, Fernández took on increased midfield responsibility as the primary deep-lying playmaker while pushing into dangerous positions. His earlier efforts had been saved or flown over, but when the opportunity arrived, he struck a powerful right-footed shot that curled into the far corner.

The goal ended England's resistance after they had defended their lead for thirty minutes. Fernández's strike shifted momentum entirely, and within seven minutes Argentina had completed the turnaround. His match-changing contribution helped secure Argentina's place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

Loser

Thomas Tuchel (England)

Thomas Tuchel's defensive approach after taking the lead invited the pressure that ultimately overwhelmed England. Following Anthony Gordon's goal, the decision to replace the scorer with centre-back Ezri Konsa at 72 minutes signaled a retreat that ceded control to Argentina.

Further defensive substitutions followed, with Declan Rice and Reece James withdrawn for Nico O'Reilly and Dan Burn at 82 minutes. England finished with just 36 percent possession as Argentina created chance after chance, with Alexis Mac Allister striking the post twice and Jordan Pickford forced into multiple saves.

The strategy kept England compact but surrendered territory and initiative when Argentina needed only to maintain pressure. When the goals arrived in the final six minutes, England lacked the attacking presence or midfield control to respond. The defeat ended their World Cup at the semi-final stage after leading for thirty minutes.