In what can only be described as another chapter of World Cup folklore, Argentina pulled off a stunning late comeback to beat England 2-1 in last night’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in New York. With just five minutes of regular time left, England looked set to reach their first final since 1966, but a relentless Argentina, led once again by the ageless Lionel Messi, flipped the script in dramatic style.
Messi’s Moment—Again
Trailing 1-0 after Anthony Gordon scored his first ever World Cup goal for England in the 55th minute, Argentina seemed on the ropes. For most of the first half, neither team managed a single shot—a first since the 1966 World Cup was broadcast live. Yet, as fans across the globe have come to expect, Argentina found another gear when it mattered most. Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute with a curling 25-yard strike, courtesy of a simple five-yard Messi pass. Just six minutes and 24 seconds later, substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner after Messi delivered a sublime cross with his weaker right foot.
The win sends the defending champions to their second consecutive World Cup final, where they’ll face Spain on Sunday. Messi, who picked up his fifth Player of the Match award of the tournament, now stands as the runaway favorite for the Golden Ball—potentially his third. Notably, his two assists in this match took his career World Cup finals tally to a record 12.
History Makers, Hearts Breakers
For England, the heartbreak was palpable. They’d held the lead for over half an hour and defended doggedly, but as coach Lionel Scaloni put it, Argentina sensed “blood in the water” and struck with characteristic ruthlessness. England manager Thomas Tuchel, reflecting on the loss, said he had “no regrets”—his team had given everything and played perhaps their best match, but it wasn’t enough to halt Argentina’s late surge. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who had combined for 12 goals in the tournament, managed just one shot between them in this semi-final.
This comeback was Argentina’s second such escape in the knockout rounds, following their “epic” last-16 win over Egypt. It’s a testament to their never-say-die mentality, with Scaloni now one win away from guiding Argentina to a fourth straight major title, including Copa America triumphs and the 2022 World Cup. Remarkably, Argentina have now scored 11 times from the 75th minute onwards during this tournament—emphasizing their reputation for late heroics.
The football world now turns to Sunday’s final, where Messi and company will chase a second straight world title, while England must regroup for a bronze medal match against France. For now, Argentina’s latest comeback joins the ranks of the most unforgettable World Cup moments—a mix of grit, genius, and a little bit of destiny.
