Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semifinal on July 15, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, securing a spot in the final against Spain. The match was marked by a dramatic comeback led by Lionel Messi.
Key facts
Argentina scored twice in the last six minutes to win.
Messi assisted both goals, setting a new record with 12 World Cup assists.
England led 1-0 after Anthony Gordon's goal in the 55th minute.
The final will take place on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Why it matters: This victory highlights Argentina's resilience and Messi's enduring impact on the game, as they aim for consecutive World Cup titles.
Messi dedicated the win to late soccer legend Diego Maradona, calling it "a gift for him."
Argentina seeks to join Italy and Brazil as the only teams to win back-to-back World Cups.
The match showcased Argentina's ability to perform under pressure, a hallmark of their recent successes.
Driving the news: Argentina's comeback was sparked by Enzo Fernández's stunning equalizer in the 85th minute, followed by Lautaro Martinez's header in stoppage time.
Fernández's goal came from outside the box, leveling the score after England's initial lead.
Messi's assist for the winning goal demonstrated his continued prowess, even at 39 years old.
Argentina's victory was characterized by a relentless offensive effort in the second half.
State of play: The match began with a fierce physicality, recording 12 fouls in the first 30 minutes, a World Cup record.
Both teams struggled to create clear chances in the first half, leading to a combined expected goals total of just 0.08.
England took the lead through Gordon's goal, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Morgan Rogers.
Argentina's tactical adjustments after falling behind were key to their comeback.
The big picture: Argentina's win solidifies their status as a dominant force in international soccer.
They have now reached two consecutive World Cup finals, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Messi's contributions continue to challenge narratives about his performance for the national team under pressure.
Argentina's attacking depth was evident as they created multiple scoring opportunities in the second half.
What they're saying: Messi expressed gratitude for the support from fans and emphasized the significance of the victory.
"It's crazy what this group has just achieved once again," Messi said, highlighting their consistency at the top level.
He noted that the team's recent performances prove they belong among the world's elite.
England's coach Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for his team's shift to a more defensive approach after taking the lead.
By the numbers: The match statistics reveal the intensity and dynamics of the game.
Argentina dominated possession with 59% and outshot England 2-1 in the first half.
After conceding, Argentina created numerous chances, hitting the post and forcing several saves from Jordan Pickford.
Messi's assist for Martinez's goal marked a career milestone, bringing his total World Cup assists to 12.
What's next: Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19, aiming to secure their second consecutive title.
Spain enters the final as half-goal favorites, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
Both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths, with Argentina's attacking prowess against Spain's tactical discipline.
The final will likely be a clash of styles, with Messi's experience against Spain's youthful energy.