Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England on Wednesday. The England vs Argentina semifinal turned in the closing stages as Lionel Messi inspired his side’s fightback.
England looked set to end their long wait for another World Cup final after taking the lead in the second half.
Argentina, however, changed the contest during the closing stages. Here’s how Argentina turned the semifinal around and reached the final.
Biggest Moments From England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal
The England vs Argentina semifinal started with high tension and aggressive fouls.
In the fourth minute, a heavy clash between Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson triggered a heated argument involving several players from both teams.
The match did start with immense tension, featuring seven fouls in the opening 10 minutes alone (and 19 total in the first half).
While there was plenty of early physical play, referee Ismail Elfath managed to keep his cards in his pocket during the opening stages.
The first official booking of the match came in the 37th minute. Elliot Anderson received a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Lionel Messi.
Both teams defended well after the incident, making it difficult to create chances. In fact, the match set a FIFA World Cup knockout record for the fewest shots in the opening 30 minutes.
The very first attempt arrived only in the 33rd minute. Neither side created clear scoring chances, so the first half ended goalless.
The match came alive after the break. In the 55th minute, Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross into the box. Anthony Gordon tapped the ball into the net to give England a 1-0 lead.
Thomas Tuchel then brought on extra defenders as England dropped deeper to protect the advantage.
But England managed only 12% possession after the goal. Argentina further kept controlling the game and building attacks, but still England tried their best to stop them.
Jordan Pickford made a brilliant save to deny Nico González. Alexis Mac Allister then struck the woodwork in the 77th minute.
Mac Allister hit the post again in the second minute of stoppage time as Argentina’s relentless pressure continued.
Messi Turns the Semifinal Around
Lionel Messi finally changed the game in the closing minutes.
In the 85th minute, he spotted Enzo Fernández outside the box and played a quick pass into his path. Fernández curled a brilliant shot past Jordan Pickford to level the score at 1-1.
Messi produced another moment of magic in the second minute of stoppage time. He beat Djed Spence on the right wing before sending a perfect cross into the penalty area.
Lautaro Martínez rose above the defenders and headed the ball into the net in the 90+2′ minute. The goal sealed Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback and a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Key Stats From England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal
Argentina dominated most of the match despite trailing early in the second half. The defending champions finished with more possession, shots, corners and passes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback over England.
Here are the key Stats from the semifinal match:
| Stat | England | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 6 | 14 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 6 |
| Possession | 36% | 64% |
| Passes | 331 | 578 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 93% |
| Fouls | 11 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
| Corners | 1 | 6 |
Lionel Messi Sets Yet Another Record in England vs Argentina Semifinal
Lionel Messi added another FIFA World Cup record during Argentina’s semifinal win over England. His two assists once again placed him at the top of the tournament’s history.
The Argentina captain now has 12 FIFA World Cup assists, the most by any player. Ten of those assists have come in knockout matches, highlighting his impact in football’s biggest games.
Here are the other records Lionel Messi set during the England vs Argentina semifinal:
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Joint-most dribbles in an international match | Messi completed nine successful dribbles, matching the highest total of his international career. He also became the first player to register nine dribbles and two assists in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. |
| 13-match goal contribution streak | Messi has now scored or assisted in 13 consecutive matches for club and country, the second-longest streak of his professional career. |
| Third FIFA World Cup final | Messi will play in his third FIFA World Cup final, becoming only the second player after Brazil’s Cafu to reach the milestone. |
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Conclusion
Argentina’s comeback has set up a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain. Lionel Messi is now one win away from another World Cup title.
England, meanwhile, will look to finish their campaign on a positive note. The Three Lions will face France in the third-place playoff.
The final also gives Argentina a chance to make history. A victory would make them the first defending champions since Brazil in 1962.
