Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham took centre stage during Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England, with an early confrontation between the two stars reflecting the intensity of a fiercely contested encounter that eventually ended in a dramatic 2-1 victory for the defending champions.
The flashpoint came soon after kick-off following a series of robust challenges. Leandro Paredes arrived late on Bellingham before Enzo Fernandez produced a similar tackle on Elliot Anderson. England believed at least one of the incidents deserved a booking, but the referee opted against taking disciplinary action, prompting a brief exchange between Messi and Bellingham.
Argentina recovered from a second-half deficit to book their place in Sunday's World Cup final, where they will face Spain.
Messi once again proved decisive as he orchestrated the comeback. After Argentina fell behind, the captain created both goals that turned the match around, including the decisive assist in stoppage time.
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but failed to convert further opportunities that could have put the contest beyond Argentina's reach.
With only five minutes of normal time remaining, Enzo Fernandez brought Argentina level with a powerful strike from long range after being set up by Messi.
The winning moment arrived in the second minute of injury time when Messi delivered an inch-perfect cross into the box for substitute Lautaro Martinez, who headed home to complete another dramatic Argentine comeback.
After the final whistle, an exhausted Messi dropped to his knees in celebration as Argentina sealed their place in the championship match.
The victory leaves Lionel Scaloni's side one win away from becoming the first men's national team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. Argentina will meet Spain in Sunday's final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The semi-final was another testing outing for Argentina in an expanded 48-team tournament in which they had already been pushed hard by Cape Verde and Egypt before overcoming England to reach the final.
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