Barcelona fans will get to enjoy their dream World Cup 2026 Final thanks to Argentina’s 2-1 win against England in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta. The Albiceleste
went behind thanks to an Anthony Gordon goal, but Lionel Messi assisted both goals in the final 10 minutes to lead yet another remarkable comeback and set up a spectacular title match against Spain on Sunday.The first 45 minutes lived up to the pre-match hype of how tense this was expected to be. Both teams completely denied each other with some really good pressing and defensive plays, and the physicality was off the charts on both sides.
There was barely any quality offense from the two teams, with the best moment of the half coming on a long-distance shot from Enzo Fernández that went just over the bar. England had zero joy in attack, and were largely frustrated by Argentina’s physical defense.
The superstars were involved but always had several bodies around them and Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane all struggled to have a big impact thanks mostly to the excellent defending on both sides, and this one was screaming extra-time when we reached the halftime interval.
Both teams came out of the dressing room more focused on playing football to begin the second half, and England delivered a huge first blow thanks to a wonderful long ball from Kane to start a counter-attack that ended with a cross from Morgan Rogers and a very good finish at the far post from Anthony Gordon to put the Three Lions ahead.
Argentina responded well to going behind and had their best spell of the match in the 15 minutes following England’s goal, applying more pressure and creating real chances. Jordan Pickford made a monster save to deny Nico González’s header, and Thomas Tuchel’s answer was to take off Gordon and send on Ezri Konsa to defend in a back five.
England’s ultra-defensive tactics did not stop the Albiceleste from creating big chances with one dangerous cross after another, and Argentina looked really close to an equalizer in the final minutes. And they found it thanks to Enzo Fernández, who received a pass from Messi at the edge of the box and scored a beauty from outside the box to make it 1-1 with five minutes to go.
But there was still time for this to be decided before extra-time: after Alexis Mac Allister hit the post with a shot from the edge of the box, the ball fell to Messi who put in a perfect cross to find the head of Lautaro Martínez who was all alone at the far post to win it in the 93rd minute.
England’s desperate attempts at a late equalizer were not enough and the final whistle came to end yet another epic Argentina knockout match in this World Cup, with two goals in the final 10 minutes to produce one more remarkable comeback.
Spain will be favorites on Sunday, but if you STILL choose to doubt Argentina’s spirit, it’s on you. This team will never, ever, EVER give up.
