Argentina secure dramatic comeback victory against England to reach World Cup final

By Rohit Verma — 15 July 2026 — 4 min read

Argentina staged a remarkable comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, securing their place in the final. The defending champions, trailing 1-0 with only five minutes of normal time remaining, scored two late goals to overcome their rivals. Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in both goals, providing two assists in a seven-minute spell that turned the match around.

The atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was intense from the outset, with both sets of fans creating a deafening environment. The first half was marked by physical clashes and a lack of rhythm, resulting in a goalless scoreline. Notable incidents included Leandro Paredes’ late challenge on Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernández’s robust treatment of Elliot Anderson.

The tactical battle intensified after the interval. England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a cross from the right flank, which Anthony Gordon converted past goalkeeper Emi Martínez. Following the goal, Thomas Tuchel’s England adopted a defensive strategy, absorbing significant pressure from Argentina.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial fingertip save to deny substitute Nico González, and Alexis Mac Allister hit the post with a header as Argentina pressed for an equaliser. Despite being largely contained for much of the match, Messi’s influence became decisive in the closing stages.

Dramatic Late Goals Secure Victory

The turning point arrived in the 85th minute. From a short-corner routine, Messi laid the ball off to Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a powerful, curving long-range shot that found the far corner of the net, levelling the score. This goal sent the South American contingent in Atlanta into a frenzy.

With England‘s composure shattered, Argentina delivered the decisive blow two minutes into stoppage time. Messi found space on the flank and delivered a precise cross. Substitute Lautaro Martínez met the ball with a five-yard header, leaping between John Stones and Reece James to power it home, securing the 2-1 lead.

At the final whistle, Messi dropped to his knees in celebration, while England players collapsed in disbelief. This defeat adds to England’s history of falling short in major tournaments, marking their third semi-final loss in the World Cup after defeats to Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018. England captain Harry Kane expressed his disappointment, stating that the team had given their all.

England coach Thomas Tuchel noted that Argentina played with more risk and rhythm after falling behind, which he believed freed them up while holding his own team back. He suggested that his substitutions were aimed more at holding onto the lead rather than extending it.

Argentina’s Path to the Final

Argentina’s victory means they are now one game away from potentially matching Italy’s 1934-1938 and Brazil’s 1958-1962 achievement of winning back-to-back World Cups. The team’s resilience has been a recurring theme throughout this tournament, with coach Lionel Scaloni highlighting the collective spirit and brotherhood within the squad.

Lautaro Martínez, who scored the winning goal, expressed his confidence before coming on, telling Alexis Mac Allister that he would score and secure the win. Messi, at 39, is likely playing in his final World Cup and is now one victory away from further solidifying his claim as one of the greatest football players of all time.

The defending champions will face European champions Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This match is set to be a significant encounter, pitting the best of South America against the best of Europe in what is anticipated to be an epic conclusion to the tournament.

The loss for England draws parallels with previous heartbreaks, including Diego Maradona’s infamous handball goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals and the penalty shootout loss in 1998. However, unlike those instances, there is no sense of injustice this time, despite Anthony Gordon’s opening goal in the 55th minute.

Argentina’s ability to rally from behind, as demonstrated against England, reflects a consistent pattern throughout this World Cup. Lionel Scaloni emphasised the team’s unique spirit and determination to fight until the very end, stating that they are ready to leave everything on the pitch in the final.

The final against Spain is scheduled for Sunday in East Rutherford.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com