Argentina is on their way to the World Cup Final!
The Lionel Messi-led team advanced over England by a score of 2-1 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, July 15 to punch their ticket to the championship game.
Both teams went without a shot — but with plenty of fouls — over the first 45 minutes of play. After halftime, Argentina came out swinging with a few prime chances, but couldn’t convert. England, though, could, and at the 59th minute Anthony Gordon scored his first-ever World Cup goal to give them the 1-0 lead.
It looked like England had the win, thanks almost entirely to goalie Jordan Pickford who made save after save. But in the 86th minute, Argentina’s Enzo Fernández sailed the ball above Pickford’s outstretched hand to tie the game at one-all. With tensions high, Argentina then sealed the win with a goal two minutes into stoppage time, thanks to a huge pass from Messi that Lautaro Martinez headed in for the 2-1 lead.
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Lionel Messi was elated after the win as he celebrated with his team on the field.
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.
Just before kickoff on Wednesday, England’s Pickford spoke to reporters and shared his excitement for facing the iconic Messi on soccer’s biggest stage. “Great to be able to finally come up against him. He’s scored so many goals,” Pickford said, adding, “and he’s contributed so many goals as well over his career, and it’s a great to finally be able to come up against him.”
Pickford added, “We all know how good Messi is, but we also know how good Argentina is, so we can’t just solely rely on [stopping] Messi. Were got to focus on the other strengths as well and their other weaknesses we can take advantage of.”
Messi, 39, has been a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 World Cup, leading Argentina to unbelievable wins against nations like Egypt and Switzerland.
Before entering the 2026 tournament as the reigning champion, Messi told ESPN winning “gives you confidence and relief to prepare competitions differently,” and emphasized how Argentina is at an advantage despite the pressure.
“Argentina needs to take advantage of this moment,” Messi added.
