Published July 16, 2026
Lionel Messi’s efforts helped Lautaro Martinez score the winning goal in the 92nd minute as World Cup holders Argentina achieved a stunning 2-1 come-from-behind victory over England, setting up a final against European champions Spain.
England were on track to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon’s goal 10 minutes into the second half of Wednesday’s semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.
The fierce competition between these countries has produced some memorable battles on the World Cup stage over the years. And the encounter will be remembered as the stuff of legend in Argentina after the South Americans thwarted England with two late goals.
Messi set up the equalizer with Enzo Fernandes’ goal in the 85th minute, and with extra time looming, he scored the winning goal with a header two minutes into stoppage time from a cross with substitute Lautaro Martinez.
No team has qualified for the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, and Messi becomes only the second player after Brazilian great Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals.
The final will be played Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the first 48-team World Cup culminating in a showdown between the reigning champions of Europe and South America.
