At the age of 39, Lionel Messi delivered a precision cross from the right side, enabling Lautaro Martínez to head in during the second minute of added time. This decisive goal secured Argentina's 2-1 victory over England, propelling them to the final of the 2026 World Cup at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The Albiceleste once again showcased their remarkable ability to stage comebacks, a defining trait throughout the tournament. Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, the team will face Spain in their second consecutive World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.
Intense Tactical Battle
The match unfolded as a tactical showdown of great intensity. The first half ended in a stalemate, with both teams tightly guarding spaces and fiercely contesting possession in midfield, leaving no room for clear scoring opportunities.
England took the lead in the 55th minute when Declan Rice won the ball in midfield, culminating in Anthony Gordon's finish to make it 1-0. The Three Lions seemed destined for the final.
Argentina's Resilient Response
However, Argentina remained resilient. They pushed forward, dominated possession, and put pressure on Jordan Pickford's goal, with the English keeper making several crucial saves to maintain their lead.
At the 82nd minute mark, Enzo Fernández unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, leveling the score and reigniting Argentina's hopes.
With the game tied, Scaloni turned to his bench, bringing on Lautaro Martínez. The move paid off almost immediately.
Messi's Magic Moment
In stoppage time, Messi scanned the field and delivered a perfect pass into the box. The Inter Milan forward outmaneuvered the English defense, heading the ball home and sending the Argentine fans into a frenzy at the Atlanta stadium.
The stadium echoed with chants of "Gracias, Maradona," as the players unfurled a banner declaring "Las Malvinas son argentinas," a gesture laden with symbolism given the historical context of the opponent.
The banner's display sparked immediate controversy, as FIFA had explicitly prohibited the inclusion of flags or items referencing the Falklands, with 1,600 police officers enforcing this rule and separate entry points for fans from both nations.
Political Tensions and Historic Context
The match was preceded by political tension. Argentina's vice president added fuel to the fire with incendiary comments about England concerning the sovereignty of the Falklands. Messi, taking a more sportsmanlike approach, remarked that many "stupid things" had been said during the week and pledged to dedicate the victory to "those idiots."
As reigning world champions since Qatar 2022, Argentina now aims for their fourth star. Their opponent, Spain, defeated France 2-0 on Tuesday, July 14, in Dallas, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
The eagerly anticipated final between Spain and Argentina is set for Sunday, July 19, at 3:00 PM, Cuban time, marking the pinnacle event of the 2026 World Cup.
Key Highlights of Argentina's Road to the Final
How did Argentina secure their place in the 2026 World Cup final?
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the semifinals, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the winning goal in stoppage time after Lionel Messi provided a precise assist.
What were the key moments in the match against England?
Key moments included Anthony Gordon's opening goal for England, Enzo Fernández's equalizer for Argentina, and Lautaro Martínez's decisive header following Lionel Messi's assist.
How did political tensions influence the match atmosphere?
Political tensions were heightened by Argentina's vice president's comments on the Falklands, and the display of a controversial banner at the match, which FIFA had banned.