2026 World Cup, Argentina Advances to the Final: Messi and Lautaro Come Back to Defeat England

Argentina completes a dream comeback and joins Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. In Atlanta, the Albiceleste defeated England 2-1 at the end of a thrilling semifinal, securing their spot in the tournament’s final. It will therefore be a stellar showdown between the reigning World Champions and the European Champions, with the World Cup title on the line.

The Three Lions broke the deadlock, taking the lead in the 55th minute on a goal by Gordon and fueling their hopes of advancing. In the closing minutes, however, Lionel Scaloni’s team shifted gears and turned the game around, capitalizing on Tuchel’s defensive tactics: in the 85th minute, Enzo Fernández scored the equalizer off an assist from Lionel Messi, while in stoppage time (92nd minute), Lautaro Martínez completed the comeback with the goal that secured a spot in the final, again off a cross from the number 10.

Although he didn’t score himself, Messi left his mark on the victory by providing both decisive assists and once again leading the Albiceleste toward a date with history. On Sunday, in the World Cup’s final match, Argentina will face Spain for the trophy in a final that promises to be a spectacle.