Messi leads Argentina into another FIFA World Cup final

Defending World Cup champion Argentina is headed back to the FIFA World Cup final after edging England 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium.

Argentina punched its ticket to Sunday's championship match against Spain, which defeated France 2-0 in the tournament's first semifinal. The victory keeps the squad on course to defend the title it captured in Qatar in 2022 and gives Lionel Messi another opportunity to add to his remarkable international legacy. 

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The semifinal lived up to its billing as one of the tournament's marquee matchups. England struck first, but Argentina responded with two second-half goals to complete the comeback. The match featured the intensity expected from one of international soccer's fiercest rivalries, with both teams creating quality chances throughout the contest. 

Argentina reached the semifinal after defeating Switzerland in the quarterfinals, while England advanced by eliminating Norway. Spain secured the first berth in the final a day earlier with a 2-0 victory over France, setting up a championship clash between two of the world's most talented national teams.

Argentina's comeback was fueled by two late goals: Enzo Fernández scored the equalizer in the 85th minute, blasting a long-range shot past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to make it 1-1. Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal in second-half stoppage time (90+2'), heading home a cross from Lionel Messi to send Argentina into the World Cup final. Messi was credited with the assist. England's lone goal came from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute before Argentina rallied late. 

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For Argentina, the win marks another milestone in an extraordinary run of international success that includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and the 2024 Copa América championship. Sunday's final presents the Albiceleste with an opportunity to become back-to-back World Cup champions, while Spain will seek its second World Cup crown.

The World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, with France and England's semifinal loser meeting in the third-place match on Saturday. 

Sources

• FIFA Match Centre: England vs. Argentina

• Associated Press World Cup Coverage

• Al Jazeera World Cup Final Preview