Argentina turned the Fifa World Cup 2026 semi-final on its head with two late goals to take a dramatic 2-1 lead over England in stoppage time at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday (15 July).
Lautaro Martínez fired Argentina ahead in the second minute of added time, finishing off a Lionel Messi assist to put the defending champions within touching distance of another World Cup final.
The decisive strike came after Argentina had restored parity through Enzo Fernández, whose stunning 25-yard curling effort beat Jordan Pickford after the England goalkeeper had moments earlier denied him. Messi was credited with the assist after a VAR check confirmed he was onside.
England had looked on course for the final after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions a 55th-minute lead from a Morgan Rogers pass following a goalless first half.
However, Argentina dominated the closing stages. Alexis Mac Allister struck the post with a header in the 76th minute after a pinpoint cross from substitute Rodrigo De Paul, while Nicolás González came close moments later with a header that drifted just wide after another inch-perfect pass from Messi.
England came under sustained pressure after manager Thomas Tuchel introduced defensive reinforcements, inviting Argentina forward in the closing minutes.
The fourth official signalled nine minutes of added time, and Argentina made the most of it. Messi delivered once again, setting up Lautaro Martínez for the winner in the 92nd minute to complete the comeback.
With only minutes remaining, Argentina hold a 2-1 advantage and stand on the brink of securing a place in the World Cup final.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / Argentina / England
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