The script couldn’t have been written any better for the reigning champions. In what will be remembered as an instant classic, legendary Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi put on a late-game masterclass to inspire a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England at Atlanta Stadium, officially sending the Three Lions home and booking Argentina’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Entering the clash on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Messi was already enjoying a spectacular tournament with a tournament-leading eight goals. However, when Argentina found themselves trailing 1-0 in the second half following an Anthony Gordon opener in the 55th minute, the 39-year-old captain shifted from goalscorer to ultimate playmaker to save the day.
Argentina pushed relentlessly for an equalizer, and the breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute. From a clever short corner routine, Messi picked out midfielder Enzo Fernández just outside the box. Fernández took a touch and curled a brilliant strike past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The game appeared destined for extra time, but Messi had other plans. In the second minute of added stoppage time, the captain collected the ball down the right flank, bypassed his defender, and chipped an inch-perfect cross straight to substitute Lautaro Martínez. Martínez made no mistake, rising to head the ball home from close range and seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
With those two magical moments, Messi extended his tally to 8 goals and 4 assists in the 2026 tournament so far, while setting a new football milestone with 12 all-time World Cup assists. Argentina now shifts their attention to Spain in the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026, while England’s historic run comes to an agonizing end.
