Messi Magic, Lautaro Madness! Argentina Stun England With Two Late Goals To Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Published 15 July 2026 · sports

Messi Magic, Lautaro Madness! Argentina Stun England With Two Late Goals To Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Messi Magic, Lautaro Madness! Argentina Stun England With Two Late Goals To Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 02:55 IST Lionel Messi inspired a stunning late comeback as Argentina scored twice in the final minutes to beat England 2-1 and book a FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain. Rapid Read Leo Messi came alive with two assists to guide Argentina through to their third consecutive FIFA World Cup final (AP) England were just minutes away from ending their long wait for a World Cup final appearance. Then Lionel Messi happened. Argentina produced a breathtaking late comeback to beat England 2-1 in an unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, scoring twice in the final seven minutes to book a blockbuster final against Spain. Thomas Tuchel’s side had looked on course for victory after Anthony Gordon finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Morgan Rogers burst down the right before delivering a superb cross that Gordon met perfectly to put England ahead after a bruising first hour that had featured 19 first-half fouls, relentless pressing and little attacking quality.

England appeared in complete control. Jordan Pickford made outstanding saves to deny Alexis Mac Allister and Nico Gonzalez as Argentina struggled to break through the Three Lions’ disciplined low block. Messi, tightly marked for much of the night, gradually began to find pockets of space as Lionel Scaloni threw on Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Otamendi in search of inspiration. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute. Enzo Fernandez picked up possession outside the box and unleashed a sensational long-range strike that flew beyond Pickford to level the contest and completely change the momentum. England suddenly looked rattled. With Tuchel’s men desperately trying to survive nine minutes of stoppage time, Argentina delivered the knockout blow. Messi produced another moment of genius in the 92nd minute, threading a perfectly weighted cross into the si yard box where substitute Lautaro Martinez rose unmarked to head home from point-blank range. The goal completed a remarkable turnaround and sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine players, while England’s players collapsed in disbelief. It was another decisive contribution from Messi, who once again dragged Argentina through a difficult night.

The captain finished with two assists after orchestrating wave after wave of late attacks as England’s resistance finally crumbled. Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final after Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final. For England, another painful World Cup exit extends their wait for a first final since 1966, while Argentina move within one victory of successfully defending their world title. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will England ever win a World Cup again? I cannot predict future events. According to news reports, England's wait for a World Cup final appearance was cut short by Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Argentina won 2-1 after scoring two late goals. How will Argentina perform in the final? Argentina will play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain. They secured their spot by defeating England 2-1 in the semi-final with two late goals. What makes Messi so impactful in big games?