Argentina staged a dramatic Argentina comeback, overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final. Lionel Messi provided both assists, setting up Enzo Fernández to level and then teeing up Lautaro Martínez for a stoppage-time winner in the 92nd minute.
The late sequence — Messi collecting a loose ball, threading a pass into the box and Martínez heading home — completed a fast finish to a match that had been tight for most of its run. The victory sends Argentina into a final showdown with Spain on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX.
Argentina comeback in stoppage time
England opened the scoring in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted from a dangerous cross, putting Argentina on the back foot. For long stretches afterward the Three Lions looked organized and capable of protecting their lead.
Argentina’s response came gradually as they increased pressure and tested England’s concentration. In the 86th minute Messi created the opening: his delivery found Enzo Fernández, who curled a composed finish past Jordan Pickford to make it 1-1 and force a frantic closing period.
In stoppage time, Messi won possession near midfield, advanced and slipped a precise pass into the box. Lautaro Martínez, who had entered as a substitute, rose to meet it with a header that beat Pickford and completed the comeback, sparking jubilant celebration among Argentina players and supporters.
Key moments that swung the game
55′ — Anthony Gordon (England) finished from close range after a dangerous cross, giving England the lead early in the second half.
58′ — Djed Spence produced a crucial defensive tackle to halt a dangerous Argentina attack that threatened to equalize moments after the opener.
66′ — Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made an important save on a Declan Rice attempt, keeping the score within reach and allowing Argentina to continue building momentum.
Before the hydration break, Nicolás González headed toward goal and Jordan Pickford made a goal-line clearance to preserve England’s lead. Later, Alexis Mac Allister saw a header come back off the post, illustrating how close Argentina came before finally breaking through.
86′ — Enzo Fernández converted from a Messi assist to level the match. 92′ — Lautaro Martínez’s header, again set up by Messi, sealed the Argentina comeback and the win.
How Messi shaped the result
Messi was the central figure in Argentina’s rally, credited with two assists that directly produced both goals. The first assist freed Enzo Fernández for a composed finish; the second was a precise, threaded pass that allowed Martínez to head the winner.
Beyond the raw assists, Messi’s positioning and ability to draw defenders created pockets of space for teammates. Late in the match England’s defensive shape was repeatedly tested by Messi’s touches and quick combinations, forcing them to make difficult decisions and opening channels that Argentina exploited.
His influence extended to tempo and confidence, giving Argentina the composure to believe a late turnaround was possible and execute the plays that ultimately decided the game.
What comes next: Argentina vs Spain
Argentina will meet Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX. A win would give Argentina back-to-back World Cup titles — a rare feat in the modern era — and cap a tournament defined for them by late goals and dramatic finishes.
The final presents a contrast in styles: Argentina’s attack, driven by star play and quick transitions, against Spain’s patient, possession-based approach. The matchup promises tactical intrigue and a global spotlight on two teams with distinct pathways to the title match.
By the numbers
- 92′ — Minute of Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner.
- 2 — Number of assists credited to Lionel Messi in the match.
- 55′ — Anthony Gordon goal that gave England an early second-half lead.
- 1966 — Neither team recorded a shot in the first half, the first time that has happened since 1966, per the FOX broadcast.
- Multiple — Jordan Pickford made several key saves and has been England’s starting goalkeeper through the tournament, per FOX.
Match context and what it means
The win continues Argentina’s pattern of late-game resilience in this World Cup. Overcoming deficits in knockout matches has become a defining storyline for this squad and raises expectations heading into the final.
For England, the result prompts questions about game management and defending leads in high-pressure moments. The team showed moments of quality but ultimately could not withstand Argentina’s late surge.
Argentina must now pivot quickly to recovery and tactical preparation for a final against Spain, while managing fitness for key players as they chase consecutive World Cup titles.
Source: Fox News
FAQ
When is the World Cup final and who will Argentina play?
The final is Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX. Argentina will play Spain.
How did Argentina score the winning goal?
In the 92nd minute Messi assisted Lautaro Martínez, who headed the ball past Jordan Pickford to complete Argentina’s comeback and make it 2-1.
Were there any notable saves or records in the match?
Emiliano Martínez made a key save on Declan Rice in the 66th minute. The FOX broadcast also noted that neither team recorded a shot in the first half — the first time that’s happened since 1966, per the network.
