England vs Argentina: Lionel Messi Stars With Double Assist As Reigning Champions Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final After Stunning Comeback

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Lionel Messi once again emerged as the game-changer, as Argentina pulled off a breathtaking comeback late in the second half to beat England 2-1, setting up the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain. The Three Lions, despite dominating possession in the first half, ended up falling short in the knockout clash. After Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England in the second half, Argentina came out of their shell. Lionel Messi stepped up with back-to-back assists, as Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored, helping La Albiceleste edge past Thomas Tuchel’s England in an intense contest.

England vs Argentina Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final

Anthony Gordon, fresh off a dream move to Barcelona, starred for England early in the second half, breaking the deadlock in the crucial knockout tie in Atlanta. Lionel Messi was forced to stay quiet for most of the game, as the Three Lions showed great composure in the midfield. As Argentina started pressing hard up front, Jordan Pickford stood tall on multiple occasions, denying clear opportunities for the equaliser. He was well supported by English defenders, who also appeared at the peak of their form on the big day.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni made some attacking changes late in the second half, bringing on Lautaro Martinez to replace left-back Nicolas Tagliafico. With the game running deep, Argentina dominated possession, but England firmly held their back line.

Their efforts ultimately paid off, with Enzo Fernandez, who sparked controversy with a brutal elbow on Elliot Anderson, pulling the defending champions back into the contest with a thunderous strike from outside the box. And from that point, it was a whole new game.

When extra time started looking inevitable, the Messi magic happened again. His right-footed cross landed into the box, with super-sub Lautaro Martinez heading in to turn the tables around, as Argentina took a stunning lead in the stoppage time, completing a historic comeback.

Lionel Messi Adds Two More Assists to FIFA World Cup 2026 Tally

The Argentina playmaker continued his superb form in the semi-final, ensuring his last appearance in the FIFA World Cup final. Now, Lionel Messi has 12 G/A in this edition, including eight goals, which also keeps him at the top of the Golden Boot standings.