Argentina stun England with 2-1 comeback win to reach World Cup final

July.16 (Mirror Sports) - Lionel Messi moved closer to another historic milestone as defending champions Argentina fought back to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd-minute winner as Argentina completed a stunning comeback in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta, ending England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.

England appeared on course for victory after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring 10 minutes into the second half. Thomas Tuchel's side defended strongly and looked set to hold onto their lead before Argentina produced a dramatic late turnaround.

Messi was once again at the heart of Argentina's success, creating both goals. The captain provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez's 85th-minute equaliser before delivering the decisive cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner deep into stoppage time.

The victory adds another memorable chapter to the historic Argentina-England World Cup rivalry, while keeping alive Argentina's hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

At 39, Messi will become only the second player after Brazilian legend Cafu to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals. He will now face Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, in a battle between the champions of South America and Europe.

Messi's World Cup story appeared complete after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022, but the legendary forward continues to create history on football's biggest stage.

For England, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching a first World Cup final in 60 years. Tuchel's side will now face France in the third-place play-off in Miami.

Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, two of England's standout performers throughout the tournament, were unable to produce the decisive moment as their campaign ended in disappointment.