Messi's two assists send Argentina past England to second straight World Cup final

Lionel Messi delivered two assists as Argentina came from behind to beat England and reach the 2026 World Cup final, defeating the Three Lions in Atlanta, Georgia. Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez scored the goals that overturned Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener, sending La Albiceleste through to Sunday’s final against Spain.

After the final whistle, several Argentina players posed with a flag reading ‘The Falklands are Argentinian’, and Messi, Lisandro Martinez and Leandro Paredes each acknowledged that the historical and political weight of the fixture had sharpened their focus.

“Although it was a football match, when we started to enter the field and during the anthem, we experienced special feelings, and the group felt that,” Messi said. “It wasn’t just another victory; it was an important victory that the Argentine people wanted, and we wanted it too, and it put us in another World Cup final.”

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez echoed that sentiment: “I won’t lie to you, we’re all Argentinians and we experienced it like the fans. We knew the magnitude of this game and went for it from the first minute. We had to suffer because they’re a very tough opponent, but in the end, we’re always the ones who take the initiative, the ones who play without fear, and the ones who want to win.”

Midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Falklands War, saying: “We are aware of what England means to this country, to us, and to history, because of that sad moment the people experienced and who are surely very happy today.”

England had looked set to progress after Gordon’s goal prompted Thomas Tuchel to make defensive substitutions in an attempt to protect the lead. That approach ultimately backfired, creating the space Messi needed to first tee up Fernandez with a precise through ball before crossing for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez to complete the turnaround.

Messi was reflective about the character his squad had shown throughout the tournament: “This group doesn’t surprise me. I know and we know what we were capable of. People had doubts about how we arrived, because we had players who were very much at their limit and with problems, but when this group comes together and is united, it always gives an extra boost — they inspire each other and bring out what they didn’t have to give their all.”

Argentina, the reigning world champions, will face Spain in Sunday’s final as they bid to defend the title they won in Qatar.