Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, producing two decisive assists to send La Albiceleste into the title clash.
Although he did not find the net himself, the Argentine captain proved to be the difference, first setting up Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser before delivering a sublime cross that Lautaro Martinez converted deep into stoppage time for the winner. Despite being closely shadowed throughout the contest, with England players constantly surrounding him, the 39-year-old repeatedly found moments of brilliance.
One of the game's defining highlights came when Messi weaved past five England players in their own half with an exceptional dribble. His surge was so difficult to contain that Elliot Anderson eventually resorted to a deliberate foul to halt the move.
Victory in the final would hand Messi another World Cup title with Argentina. While he was unable to extend his tournament-leading goal tally in the semi-final, the veteran playmaker created both late goals that completed yet another remarkable comeback for La Albiceleste.
Only eight days after spearheading an unlikely turnaround against Egypt in the round of 16, Messi returned to Atlanta and once again delivered a memorable performance in a career already regarded among the greatest the sport has ever witnessed.
England appeared to be on course for a place in history after Anthony Gordon struck in the 55th minute, raising hopes of securing the nation's first World Cup triumph since its lone success six decades earlier.
Argentina, however, refused to surrender. Led by Messi and their familiar resilience, the South American side fought back once more and will now take on Spain in Sunday's final, where they have the opportunity to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
With five minutes remaining in regulation time and England desperately trying to preserve their advantage, Messi took a short corner before receiving the return pass. Spotting Enzo Fernandez in space around 25 yards from goal, he picked him out with a precise pass, allowing Fernandez to curl a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to restore parity.
From that moment, Argentina looked increasingly likely to complete the turnaround.
The decisive moment arrived two minutes into stoppage time, again with Messi at the heart of the move. Bursting towards the byline with a sudden change of pace, he created enough room to whip in an inch-perfect cross to the far post. The delivery sailed over six England players and found Lautaro Fernandez, who slipped between two defenders before nodding home with ease.
Argentina then comfortably managed the closing moments to protect their lead.
When the referee brought the match to an end, Messi sank to his knees in the centre of the pitch and celebrated by pumping his fists.
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