ATLANTA — Argentina rallied with two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, booking a place in the 2026 final after Lionel Messi created both decisive goals in another dramatic comeback by the defending champions.
England appeared on course for victory after Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel's side ahead in the 55th minute. But Argentina struck back in the closing stages, with Enzo Fernández equalizing in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi's cross in second-half stoppage time to seal the victory at Atlanta Stadium.
Messi, playing in his sixth World Cup at the age of 39, was named player of the match after supplying both assists as Argentina reached a second consecutive World Cup final. The reigning champions will face Spain, who defeated France in the other semifinal, in Sunday's title match in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Speaking after the match, Messi said Argentina's persistence had again proved decisive.
"Once again we have shown that nobody gives us anything," Messi said after the victory. "We have put ourselves among the two best teams in the world again." He also described matches against England as "always special," while emphasizing the team's determination to reach another World Cup final.
England manager Thomas Tuchel accepted responsibility for tactical decisions after his side surrendered its advantage during the closing minutes.
Tuchel acknowledged that England became increasingly passive after taking the lead and said his substitutions had not produced the desired effect. Captain Harry Kane also said the team was disappointed to concede control of the match after working hard to establish its advantage.
Argentina's latest comeback continued a pattern that has defined its knockout campaign. Lionel Scaloni's side also recovered from difficult positions against Egypt in the round of 16 before defeating Switzerland after extra time in the quarterfinals. Messi has remained central throughout the tournament, contributing goals and assists as Argentina pursued a successful defense of the title it won in Qatar four years earlier.
The victory sends Argentina into its second straight World Cup final, where it will attempt to retain the trophy against Spain, while England will play France in the third-place playoff.
