Argentina stun England with dramatic comeback to reach second straight World Cup final
by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City TimesDefending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain in a showdown between two football giants.
England looked on course for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, giving the Three Lions the lead in a fiercely contested semi-final.
However, Argentina responded in the closing stages. Enzo Fernández levelled the match in the 85th minute after being set up by Lionel Messi, before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner deep into stoppage time from another pinpoint Messi assist.
The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final and keeps alive Argentina’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
At 39, Messi once again proved decisive, orchestrating Argentina’s comeback with two assists as he continues his remarkable tournament. The Argentine captain has now played a pivotal role in guiding the reigning champions to another shot at football’s biggest prize.
Argentina will now meet Spain in Sunday’s final after the European champions defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final. England, meanwhile, will face France in the third-place playoff.
Source: AFP
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.