Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, powered by a late surge and two assists from Lionel Messi.
The match appeared headed for a different outcome until the final minutes. England held a 1-0 lead entering the 84th minute, but Argentina mounted a late comeback, showcasing resilience that has characterized their tournament run.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández leveled the score in the 85th minute with a precise shot into the top-left corner of the net. The momentum shifted decisively in stoppage time when Lautaro Martínez scored the go-ahead goal with a powerful header in the second minute of added time, giving Argentina a 2-1 advantage.
Both of Argentina's crucial goals were set up by Messi, the team's veteran star. The stunning turnaround sent shockwaves through the sports world, with notable figures like NFL legend Tom Brady and NBA champion Jalen Brunson expressing their astonishment on social media.
The victory propels Argentina into back-to-back World Cup finals, continuing their quest for international football's ultimate prize.