Lionel Messi inspired Argentina's dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 16, 2026. The match, held in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta, saw England take an early lead when Anthony Gordon scored 10 minutes into the second half, putting England on course for their first World Cup final since 1966.

However, Argentina fought back fiercely in the closing minutes. Messi assisted Enzo Fernandez's 85th-minute equalizer and then crossed for substitute Lautaro Martinez, who headed in the winning goal in the 92nd minute. This stunning comeback denied England a place in the final and continued the fierce World Cup rivalry between the two nations.

With this victory, Argentina, the reigning World Cup holders, will face European champions Spain in the final. The match will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 20, 2026, marking the culmination of the first 48-team World Cup.

Notably, no team has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962. Messi will become only the second player, after Brazilian legend Cafu, to appear in three World Cup finals.

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