Argentina defeated England 2-1 on July 15, 2026, in the World Cup semi-final held in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi providing two key assists for the comeback victory [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The match saw Argentina trailing 0-1 until the 85th minute when Messi set up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Shortly after, Messi delivered a precise cross for Lautaro Martinez to score the winning goal, sealing Argentina’s place in the final [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Despite not scoring himself, Messi’s two assists highlighted his enduring playmaking ability at age 39 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

This marked Messi’s first World Cup match against England in his long career, and he now stands as the second player after Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. He has played a record 33 World Cup games across six tournaments, showcasing remarkable longevity [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Messi’s playing style in this tournament has involved conserving energy and moving at low speed until crucial moments, when he sprints explosively—his top speed this cup reaching 30.9 km/h, faster than many younger teammates [6].

Argentina has never lost a World Cup semi-final and will appear in back-to-back finals for the first time since 1962 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The team aims to become the first to retain the World Cup since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Argentina also staged a dramatic late comeback earlier in the knockout rounds to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the same Atlanta stadium [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

England captain Harry Kane praised Messi, calling him "one of the best players ever" and noting how dangerous Messi is in the final third of the field: "When they have the ball in the final third, they can create something. He’s done that again today." [1]

Messi reflected on the win, saying, "These are special feelings. I think the squad could feel it and this was a game the Argentine people really wanted to win, and so did we. This is still a special fixture." He added, "It is crazy to be playing in back-to-back finals," and "Once again we managed to do the job when things were looking bad. We never stopped believing." [1]

Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2026, in New Jersey [7].