England vs Argentina: Messi Sets Up Late Comeback Into the World Cup Final

Updated 17 July 2026. Image AI-generated for illustrative purposes.

England vs Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finished 2-1 to Argentina, Enzo Fernandez and a stoppage-time Lautaro Martinez header pulling off another late comeback to send Lionel Messi’s side into the final. Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute, but as Thomas Tuchel’s side dropped deeper to protect the lead, Argentina kept pushing. Fernandez levelled with a driven finish in the 85th minute, and two minutes into stoppage time Messi crossed for Martinez to head in the winner from close range.

England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026: How Argentina Won It

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished from six yards after a low cross from Morgan Rogers, and for half an hour it looked enough. Tuchel’s side dropped into a back five to protect the lead, and Jordan Pickford was called into two big stops, denying Nicolas Gonzalez from close range before Alexis Mac Allister struck the post with a diving header. The pressure told in the end. In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez collected a pass from Lionel Messi just outside the box and drilled a right-footed finish into the corner to make it 1-1. Argentina were not finished. In the second minute of stoppage time, Mac Allister’s low shot came back off the post to Messi, who crossed from the right for Lautaro Martinez to head home from three yards and complete the turnaround.

Messi took the Man of the Match award for a hand in both goals, extending a tournament in which the 38-year-old has repeatedly turned games late. For England, the defeat ends a run to the last four and extends the country’s wait for a first title since 1966, with Harry Kane again left without the trophy his tournament form has demanded.

What It Means for the Final

Argentina reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 final and will face Spain on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, chasing a fourth World Cup and a second in three tournaments after 2022. It is another comeback win to add to Argentina’s run through this competition, a side that has repeatedly found a way even when behind. England’s exit sends them into the third-place playoff against France, and prompts fresh scrutiny of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical call to sit deeper after taking the lead, a decision that had time to be punished twice.

What Is Next

Argentina now prepare to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. Follow every result on our Quarterfinals hub and track goals live on our live scores page. Read the build-up in our England vs Argentina preview, and see the full picture in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in England vs Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Argentina won 2-1. Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute before Enzo Fernandez (85′) and Lautaro Martinez (90+2′) scored for Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

Who was Man of the Match in England vs Argentina?

Lionel Messi was named Man of the Match for Argentina, setting up both of his side’s goals in the semifinal comeback.

Who does Argentina play in the World Cup final?

Argentina face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Sources: Wikipedia match record and ESPN match report.