Argentina Edge England in World Cup 2026 Semifinal: Late Goals from Fernandez and Martinez Set Up Spain Final

Lionel Scaloni’s men stage a dramatic 2-1 comeback in Atlanta as Lionel Messi provides two late assists to destroy the Three Lions’ dreams.

Photo: EFE

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered one of its most gripping narratives in tournament history. In a volatile and hyper-competitive semifinal clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, defending champions Argentina executed a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over arch-rivals England on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Two late goals in a five-minute window secured the Albiceleste's ticket to the grand final on Sunday, July 19, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where they will face Spain.

The high-stakes fixture began with intense physical battles, with 19 first-half fouls slowing down creative plays. Under Thomas Tuchel's guidance, England's defensive blockade proved exceptionally difficult to break, as Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon successfully threatened Argentina's defensive flanks. Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi managed to spark life into the game in the 36th minute after beating three defenders to find Enzo Fernandez, whose long-range effort went inches over Jordan Pickford’s crossbar.

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Following a short clearance from Lisandro Martinez, Morgan Rogers delivered an exquisite cross from the right wing, allowing Anthony Gordon to exploit Nahuel Molina's defensive lapse and bury the ball into the back of the net. Facing elimination, Lionel Scaloni made a flurry of attacking substitutions, introducing Nicolas Gonzalez, Rodrigo De Paul, and eventually Lautaro Martinez.

With England dropping deep to safeguard their narrow lead, Argentina mounted an offensive siege. In the 85th minute, Lionel Messi executed a short corner to find Enzo Fernandez outside the penalty area. The Chelsea midfielder unleashed a stunning, curling strike that left Pickford completely helpless to restore parity.

With the momentum firmly on their side, Argentina found the winner in the 92nd minute of stoppage time. Messi collected a loose ball and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where an unmarked Lautaro Martinez converted a brilliant header past Pickford. The dramatic winner sparked wild celebrations across Atlanta, ensuring Lionel Messi will have one last opportunity to lift the World Cup trophy in his historic final appearance.