ATLANTA — Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi delivered two assists in the final minutes as Argentina completed a 2-1 comeback over England at Atlanta Stadium to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.
Messi, making his record-extending 33rd FIFA World Cup appearance, set up Enzo Fernández’s 85th-minute equalizer and then chipped an inch-perfect cross for substitute Lautaro Martínez to head home the winner in the second minute of added time. The two assists gave Messi 12 all-time World Cup assists, extending his lead as the player with the most in tournament history. He also stretched his streak to 13 consecutive games with a goal or an assist for club or country.
England had taken the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon capitalized on a delivery from Morgan Rogers from the right and struck from inside the box. Argentina responded by introducing Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul in the 72nd minute in place of Giuliano Simeone, and De Paul’s impact was immediate — four minutes after entering, he delivered a precise ball into the box that led to a headed attempt from Alexis Mac Allister that rattled the left post in the 76th minute.
The defending World Cup champions dominated possession at 64% to England’s 36%, outshooting England 14-6 and earning six corners to England’s one. England committed 11 fouls while Argentina was whistled for 15. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was forced into three saves; Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez made one.
Argentina lined up with Martínez in goal behind a back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico. Leandro Paredes, Mac Allister and Fernández joined Simeone in midfield, with Messi and Julián Álvarez leading the attack. Fernández had produced Argentina’s best chance of the first half in the 39th minute with a long-range strike that sailed just wide of the top-right corner.
Argentina will face Spain in the Final on Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET at New York New Jersey Stadium.