Argentina Rallies Past England 2-1 to Reach 2026 World Cup Final
Two Lionel Messi assists send the defending champions to a Sunday showdown with Spain in New York.
Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday in Atlanta in a 2026 World Cup semifinal, according to Le Nouvelliste. Trailing 1-0, the Albiceleste rallied on the strength of two decisive assists from Lionel Messi to book a place in the final, where they will defend their title against Spain, who eliminated France the previous day. After a charged and foul-heavy first half, Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for Harry Kane's England in the 55th minute. Argentina equalized late through Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute, set up by Messi, before Messi delivered a pinpoint cross in stoppage time that Lautaro Martinez headed home in the 90th+2 minute for the winner. The reigning world champions will meet the European champions on Sunday in the final at MetLife Stadium in New York. England will face France in the third-place match in Miami the day before. Le Nouvelliste notes that Argentina remains undefeated in World Cup semifinals, improving to six wins in six appearances, having previously triumphed over the United States (1930), Belgium (1986), Italy (1990), the Netherlands (2014) and Croatia (2022).