Argentina advances to World Cup final after late winner against England
Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final with a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in Wednesday’s semifinal clash at Atlanta Stadium, scoring both goals in the dying minutes to complete a remarkable comeback.
The defending champions equalized in the 85th minute after dominating much of the second half, before sealing the win with an injury-time header to send the Albiceleste into Sunday’s final against Spain.
We felt something special today. I think the whole squad felt it. This wasn’t just another win—it was an important one, one the Argentine people wanted, and one we needed.
Captain Lionel Messi reflected on the emotional significance of the victory, particularly against England, a team with deep historical ties to Argentina.
Argentina’s journey to the final has been defined by resilience, overcoming tight matches against Cabo Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland in earlier rounds. The team’s relentless spirit continues to define their campaign.
Today, we went and got this win when the game was slipping away. We never stopped believing.
Messi, who set up both goals, added that we pushed them deep into their own half. Frankly, it’s a huge relief.
This team continues to amaze me.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni echoed the sentiments of a side that defied expectations at every turn.
The Argentine supporters played a pivotal role, creating an electrifying atmosphere that lifted the team. We’re truly one of a kind. It’s not arrogance—from the bottom of our hearts, these fans carried us to victory today.
England falls short in heartbreaking semifinal
England took an early lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, latching onto a brilliant cross from Morgan Rogers after a well-executed run to break free from his marker. The Three Lions controlled much of the match but could not hold their advantage.
I’m gutted for the players, for everyone—the team, the staff, the fans.
Captain Harry Kane admitted his disappointment after England’s second consecutive semifinal exit, their first since 2018 and 60 years after their solitary World Cup triumph on home soil in 1966.
We played well for most of the game. When we were leading 1-0, we looked like we were trying to hold on, and at this level, that’s not enough.
Kane’s assessment highlighted England’s tactical shortcomings under pressure.
It was Messi’s second assist in the game that turned the tide. Scaloni praised his captain’s influence, noting that in the final 15 to 25 minutes, when he could, Messi took control. He played as if he was in his own backyard.
Enzo Fernández pulled Argentina level with a long-range strike in the 85th minute, leaving England stunned. Lautaro Martínez then headed home in stoppage time to send the Albiceleste through to the final.
Ever since my dad bought me my first pair of cleats, I’ve dreamed of scoring this goal.
Martínez, in tears, reflected on the significance of his header, adding that this team keeps showing what it’s made of.
Falklands dispute resurfaces on the pitch
As the final whistle blew, several Argentine players unfurled a banner reading the Malvinas are Argentine
, reigniting the longstanding territorial dispute with the United Kingdom.
The display, later laid on the pitch by Giovanni Lo Celso, contravened FIFA’s regulations prohibiting political statements during tournaments. The controversial moment added a layer of complexity to an otherwise celebratory evening.
President Javier Milei addressed the incident, cautioning against conflating football with geopolitical tensions. We must not mix things up. The Falklands will be recovered through smart diplomacy, not cheap patriotism.
He emphasized Argentina’s diplomatic progress, including UN-backed talks, while hailing the team’s glorious milestone
.
The Falkland Islands, a small archipelago in the South Atlantic, have been claimed by Argentina since British occupation in 1833. A two-month war erupted in 1982 following an Argentine military junta’s invasion, resulting in 649 Argentine and 258 British deaths.
The rivalry took center stage in the 1986 World Cup, when Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a quarterfinal marred by Maradona’s infamous Hand of God
goal, which he later called a symbolic revenge
against the English.
For Argentina’s fans in 2026, the unofficial anthem La Cuarta Estrella
encapsulates their hopes: For the Falklands, for Diego [Maradona], for Leo [Messi]’s final World Cup… make Argentina double world champions.
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