Argentina Fightback Again To Reach Third World Cup Final in Last Four Editions
Argentina are one victory away from retaining the FIFA World Cup after producing another stirring comeback to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Just as they have done throughout their recent golden era, Lionel Scaloni’s side found a way back when defeat appeared imminent. Trailing with only minutes remaining, the reigning champions struck twice late on to crush England’s hopes and continue their remarkable run on football’s biggest stage.
The triumph sends Argentina into a third World Cup final in four tournaments, having also contested the title matches in 2014 and 2022. Their only failure to reach the final during that period came in Russia in 2018, when they were eliminated in the quarter finals.
Awaiting them at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the first semi final. Argentina are chasing a fourth world title after previous triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022, while Spain hope to lift the trophy for only the second time following their success in 2010.
Late Argentine Blitz Ends England’s Dream
The first half was a cagey encounter with both teams cancelling each other out. Argentina enjoyed long spells of possession, but England remained organised defensively and the sides went into the interval without a goal.
England broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart through Anthony Gordon. Morgan Rogers burst down the left and drilled a dangerous low cross into the six yard box, where Gordon ghosted behind Nicolás Tagliafico to convert from close range.
The goal handed Thomas Tuchel’s men the initiative, but it also sparked Argentina into action. Lionel Messi began dictating the tempo as the South Americans pushed England deeper into their own half in search of an equaliser. Jordan Pickford produced several outstanding saves to frustrate the defending champions, while Tuchel reshaped his side into a defensive back five to protect the lead.
Argentina’s relentless pressure finally told in the 85th minute. Messi slipped a pass into Enzo Fernández, whose fierce strike from outside the penalty area flew beyond Pickford to restore parity and ignite the contest.
With momentum firmly in their favour, Argentina refused to settle for extra time. Deep into stoppage time, Alexis Mac Allister rattled the base of the post before Messi reacted quickest to collect the loose ball. His inviting cross found Lautaro Martínez, who headed into an empty net to complete a dramatic turnaround and send the holders into another World Cup final.
Messi’s two assists took his tally to 11 goal contributions at the tournament, made up of eight goals and three assists, drawing him level with France captain Kylian Mbappé. Once again, the Argentine captain proved decisive when his nation needed him most.
England launched one final assault in search of an equaliser but could not find a way through a resilient Argentine defence. The defeat ends the Three Lions’ bid for a first World Cup title since 1966, though they still have the opportunity to finish on the podium when they meet France in Saturday’s third place playoff.
For Argentina, however, the focus now shifts to one final challenge. Victory over Spain on Sunday would see La Albiceleste successfully defend the World Cup and cement their place among the greatest international teams of the modern era.