Albiceleste Remontada: Argentina’s late comeback breaks England's hearts and sends them to their second successive World Cup final

Argentina will compete in their sixth World Cup final against Spain on July 19, 2026. (Image credits - RawPixel, License Details) 

Argentina advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after defeating England 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal in Atalanta.

Until the 85th minute, it appeared Argentina was about to be eliminated in one of the most heartbreaking ways. Lionel Scaloni's team was unable to score a goal, so Lionel Messi took matters into his own hands as usual.

The build-up to this semi-final was all about the two nations' historic rivalry, both on and off the pitch, particularly the Falklands War and Diego Maradona's revenge at Azteca. England began the game with confidence, pressing Argentina high up the pitch and not allowing them to settle on the ball. Anthony Gordon began the press from the left and continued doing so until the hydration break.

The Albiceleste were unable to find their rhythm, and Messi was kept under close scrutiny by the English defenders. The first half was entirely physical, with neither side registering a single shot on goal and both attempting to unsettle the opposition with fierce challenges.

England finally scored in the 55th minute, with a brilliantly executed goal. Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel's team the lead after Morgan Rogers received the ball in a quick transition from the right wing and delivered a perfect cross to an unmarked Gordon, who only needed to poke it past Emi Martinez.

Following the goal, Thomas Tuchel's side took a risky approach, forming a complete low block with the goal of soaking up pressure and hitting Argentina on the counter.

This strategy appeared to be working as well, and Tuchel substituted in defenders Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O'Reilly, who pushed even deeper into their territory. Argentina began to keep the ball more and create more chances, which they had struggled to do when England was pressing them higher up the pitch.

Champions, on the other hand, band together just as victory is on the verge of slipping away, as Lionel Scaloni's side did. Messi began to find more space to attack as Argentina's attack became more urgent.

The Argentine captain had a moment of brilliance in the 85th minute, when he set up Enzo Fernandez for a sensational long-range shot to tie the game. This goal completely changed the momentum, and England, with nearly 8 defenders on the pitch, had to survive another 10 minutes.

The Three Lions failed to produce any offensive output, which ultimately cost them the game. In the first minute of stoppage time, the 39-year-old sent a brilliant cross into the box with his weaker right foot, and Lautaro Martinez rose highest to give Argentina the lead. In just 7 minutes, the defending champions turned a game that looked like it was going to end in defeat into a dramatic late victory.

It was yet another display of Argentine players' incredible resilience and mental fortitude, which they have demonstrated in every game of the World Cup. Their path to the final has been difficult; they've suffered and struggled greatly, but they did so as a team.

Every time they were tested and pushed to their limits, they discovered a way to crawl out of danger. Lionel Messi's influence on this team, even at the age of 39, is unusual for football.

This Argentine victory dashed England's hopes of bringing home the World Cup and making their first World Cup final appearance since 1966. Thomas Tuchel's team has shown great promise in this tournament, overcoming difficult challenges against DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway.

However, Tuchel's fatal tactical error cost them a place in the final set, which will be played in New York. On the other hand, Lionel Messi will lead his team to another World Cup final. He has already scored eight goals and provided four assists, and in what could be his final match, the little magician is doing everything he can to secure Argentina's fourth star. 

Argentina will face Spain in the final, and many pundits believe La Roja are clear favourites. However, dismissing Lionel Scaloni's Argentina is the worst mistake anyone can make, as it has been their brand at the World Cup this season.

They may suffer, struggle, and even fall behind, but with Messi leading them, the players always appear to be united and give their all on the pitch to win games, which is what defines champions.