Messi's two assists seal Argentina's stoppage-time comeback to stun England in World Cup semi

Lionel Messi delivered two clutch assists as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, booking their place in back-to-back World Cup finals with one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes.

Entering the 84th minute a goal down and facing elimination, Argentina found a way through when midfielder Enzo Fernández broke the deadlock in the 85th minute, burying a finish into the top-left corner of the net from a Messi pass.

The comeback was completed seven minutes later, in the second minute of stoppage time, when striker Lautaro Martínez powered home a header — again assisted by Messi — to give Argentina a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

The result confirmed that, despite questions about his longevity at the highest level, Messi remains the decisive force for La Albiceleste. The 37-year-old has now provided assists in each of Argentina’s knockout victories at this tournament, underlining his continued influence even when not on the scoresheet himself.

For England, the defeat is another painful semi-final exit on the World Cup stage. The Three Lions had defended their 1-0 lead with just six minutes of normal time remaining, only to concede twice in the closing moments in a collapse that will haunt the squad and supporters alike.

The result sparked widespread reaction across the sporting world, with figures from American football and basketball among those expressing disbelief at the manner of Argentina’s turnaround.