Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, propelling his team to a chance at a repeat championship.
With the score tied at 1-1 in the closing minutes, Messi provided the assists for both of Argentina's goals. He first set up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer in the 85th minute. Then, in the second minute of injury time, Messi delivered a cross that Lautaro Martinez headed in for the game-winning goal.
England had taken a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon scored his first goal of the tournament off a cross from Morgan Rogers. However, their lead was short-lived as Argentina mounted their late surge.
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final. For England, the loss marks another near miss in their quest for a World Cup title, which they last won in 1966. The Three Lions will play France in the third-place match, seeking their best finish since 1990 and 2018.