Messi inspires Argentina comeback win over England to reach 2026 World Cup final

Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026. After England's Anthony Gordon took an early lead, Lionel Messi provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez's 85th-minute equalizer and then crossed for Lautaro Martinez's winning header.

The victory sends Argentina to the World Cup final against Spain on July 16 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It continues their tournament resilience following a 3-2 comeback win against Egypt in the last-16. Messi noted the win's special significance amid the historical Falkland Islands sovereignty context between the nations, referencing the 1982 conflict where Argentina invaded but Britain regained control.

Messi said he was looking forward to facing Spain in the final, calling them 'a fantastic side, wonderful players' whose philosophy he knows well from his time at Barcelona. At 39, he aims to cap his international career with a World Cup title. Nigerian football fans watching the final can see if he delivers the moment that would cement his legacy as one of football's greatest ever players.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/16/messi-praises-special-world-cup-win-over-england/