England 1-2 Argentina: Messi inspires comeback to send holders into World Cup final

Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening.

England dominated possession early on, but Argentina’s physicality prevented them from creating a clear-cut chance.

The Three Lions came close to breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute, when John Stones headed Declan Rice’s cross wide.

Moments later, Lionel Messi’s shot was blocked by Harry Kane. The ball fell kindly to Enzo Fernandez, whose effort from range flashed narrowly wide of the top corner.

Jordan Pickford was called into action after the restart, parrying Julian Alvarez’s shot away.

The ball broke for the Atletico Madrid striker again, but his follow-up effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 54th minute. Morgan Rogers whipped in a dangerous cross for the Barcelona forward to score.

Argentina responded well to going behind. They almost equalised in the 68th minute through substitute Nico Gonzalez’s header, only for Pickford to keep his effort out.

The defending champions came close to scoring again in the 76th minute when Alexis Mac Allister was denied by the woodwork.

Argentina continued to crank up the pressure and finally got the breakthrough in the 85th minute, with Fernandez curling a shot past Pickford.

They completed the turnaround in extra-time as Messi delivered a brilliant cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home.

Messi now has 12 World Cup assists, the most by any player since records began in 1966.

Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.