How Messi and Argentina unleashed mayhem in a historic comeback victory

Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating England 2-1 in the semi-final, with Lionel Messi once again proving why he remains football's biggest game-changer. The defending champions trailed 1-0 after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute. England then dropped deeper to protect their advantage, but that tactical decision allowed Argentina to dominate possession and push more players forward. The turning point came when Lionel Messi began operating from the right side, pulling England's defenders out of position and creating space in midfield. Instead of focusing on scoring himself, the 39-year-old captain became Argentina's chief playmaker.

His vision and passing unlocked England's defence, first setting up Enzo Fernández's equaliser in the 85th minute before delivering another brilliant assist for substitute Lautaro Martínez, who scored the winning goal in stoppage time. Reuters described Messi's display as a masterclass in leadership and creativity, even without finding the net himself. Argentina's relentless pressure exposed England's increasingly defensive approach. Coach Lionel Scaloni encouraged his players to attack with numbers, while England struggled to regain possession after retreating into their own half. Messi's movement, quick passing and ability to slow or speed up the game created confusion across England's back line, allowing Argentina to control the closing stages. The victory sent Argentina into another World Cup final, where they will face Spain. Messi's two assists increased his World Cup record to 12 assists, adding to his remarkable international legacy. Despite not scoring, he was widely praised as the match's outstanding performer for inspiring Argentina's comeback with intelligence, experience and leadership.