Argentina kept their World Cup title defense hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England on Wednesday, setting up a clash with Spain in Sunday’s final.
England appeared on course for a famous win after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead, but the defending champions responded when it mattered most.
Enzo Fernandez leveled the score in the 85th minute as Argentina’s relentless pressure finally paid off.
Tensions rise once again between England and Argentina after Messi was fouled pic.twitter.com/5zckg433dx
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026
Substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner in second-half stoppage time to complete the come-from-behind victory.
Playing his first World Cup match against England, Lionel Messi helped inspire Argentina’s late surge.
Appearing a little subdued through most of the first half, the South Americans overturned the deficit in the closing moments of game, watched by millions of sport lovers around the world.
STOPPAGE-TIME CHAOS! 🚨🇦🇷
Lautaro Martínez fires Argentina into the lead with a stunning late winner after Messi’s genius assist! 🤯⚽
England 1-2 Argentina (90+2′) pic.twitter.com/1hFfrLM616
— FIFA World Cup 2026 (@FIFAWC26Updates) July 15, 2026
The latest chapter in one of international football’s fiercest rivalries unfolded in a vibrant atmosphere.
Supporters from both nations electrified the environment, constantly motivating their sides to excel.
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the chance to successfully defend its world title.
The two teams entered the final with contrasting styles — England fielding as a composed side while Messi’s Argentina taking on the archrivals after a campaign marred by several foul tactics and FIFA’s lopsided decisions that apparently favored the defending world champions.
However, Argentina players fared pretty well in Wednesday’s semi-final contest against England.
Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 30 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 1997.
Argentina’s victory over England has led some fans to speculate that FIFA favored Argentina, citing factors such as the United States’ growing ties with Argentina, Lionel Messi’s commercial appeal in the U.S., and controversial refereeing decisions. Argentina’s success appears to be mainly due to its exceptional talent, strong organization, effective coaching, and Messi’s global appeal. While debates about refereeing and institutional influence are common in football, there is no clear evidence that FIFA intentionally favored Argentina.