Messi leads Argentina into a stunning comeback against England to reach World Cup final

Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to beat England 2-1 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

With the semi-final at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium heading towards an England victory, the defending champions staged a dramatic comeback, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the winner in stoppage time after another decisive contribution from Lionel Messi.

England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished from close range after Harry Kane helped create the move and Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross into the box.

Jordan Pickford produced several outstanding saves to preserve England’s advantage, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as Argentina increased the pressure.

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The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when Messi found Enzo Fernández, who fired a powerful shot past Pickford to level the scores.

Argentina completed the turnaround in the second minute of stoppage time as Messi floated a cross into the area for Martínez to head home the winner.

The victory sends Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

England will now face France in the third-place playoff after missing out on a first World Cup final appearance since 1966.