England Argentina World Cup: Messi fires late shock

Lautaro Martínez’s 90th-minute winner completed Argentina’s stunning turnaround and sent them into the World Cup final with a 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta. England had led through Anthony Gordon, but Lionel Messi’s two assists transformed the England Argentina World Cup semi-final.

Fernández and Martínez send Argentina into final

Enzo Fernández hauled Argentina level in the 85th minute, ending England’s resistance after a prolonged spell of pressure. Martínez then struck at 90 minutes to complete the comeback, turning a one-goal deficit into a place in the final against Spain.

The late reversal extended Argentina’s winning run to six matches. They will now pursue a second successive World Cup title and a fourth overall crown.

England and Argentina turn opening half into stalemate

The first half was shaped by fouls and confrontations rather than chances. No shot was recorded in the opening 30 minutes, the first such World Cup match since statistics began being tracked in 1966.

John Stones finally produced the first attempt in the 33rd minute, heading over from a free kick. The score remained 0-0 at half-time, with the tension offering little indication of the drama to come.

Gordon gives England lead as Argentina responds

England broke through in the 55th minute when Gordon arrived ahead of Nahuel Molina to finish Morgan Rogers’ cross. Harry Kane began the move with a long ball and Declan Rice allowed it to run for Rogers.

Argentina responded by owning the ball and the territory. Their 65% possession produced 15 shots, five on target and six corners, compared with England’s five attempts, two on target and one corner. The numbers reflected the increasingly one-sided finish, even before Fernández and Martínez delivered the decisive blows.

Match Information

• Competition: World Cup, Semi-finals

• Date & Time: Wednesday 15 July 2026, 21:00 CET

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

• Referee: Ismail Elfath, USA