Argentina’s Lionel Messi shakes arms with England’s Harry Kane after the match on July 15, 2026. — Reuters
ATLANTA: Lionel Messi impressed a surprising late comeback as Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, reserving a spot within the World Cup last with two targets within the last seven minutes.
Simply when England appeared set for victory after Anthony Gordon’s second-half purpose, Argentina mounted a relentless late siege and acquired their reward as Fernandez levelled earlier than Martinez accomplished the turnaround within the 92nd minute with Messi offering the move for the equaliser and the cross for the winner.
The consequence added one other unforgettable chapter to considered one of soccer’s fiercest rivalries, a contest wealthy in historical past, emotion and stress from the opening whistle.
For England, goals of a primary World Cup last since 1966, after they loved their solely triumph on the world event, had been dashed within the closing phases, whereas Argentina celebrated a comeback that saved alive their quest for one more world title.
With England inexplicably parked in their very own finish, an Argentina equaliser felt inevitable and, after waves of late stress, Fernandez lastly broke by way of within the eighty fifth minute when Messi discovered him in area on the sting of the field to fireplace house from 20 metres previous Jordan Pickford into the nook.
Martinez, an 81st-minute substitute, struck the winner early in added time when Alexis Mac Allister drove a shot off the submit that Messi recovered. The 39-year-old talisman drove down the precise to ship in a superb ball for Martinez to go house.
The victory carried specific significance for 39-year-old Messi, who was making what’s broadly anticipated to be the ultimate World Cup look of his glittering profession.
For England, the defeat was a devastating blow after matching Argentina for a lot of the competition.
The Three Lions had appeared poised for victory after Anthony Gordon broke the impasse within the fifty fifth minute when Nicolas Tagliafico’s tried clearance landed on the ft of Declan Rice, who despatched a by way of ball to Morgan Rogers.
Gordon popped up on the again submit to information Rogers’ cross together with his instep previous goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sparking bedlam among the many England gamers and followers.
However Thomas Tuchel’s aspect failed to face up to a relentless late assault as Argentina turned the sport on its head.
