July 15, 2026
By Yiannis Damellos
Messi was not contained, as he assisted on both goals against England to lead another comeback. His team will play Spain in Jersey on Sunday.
Argentina advanced to its second straight World Cup final after a thrilling 2-1 win over England on Wednesday. In a similar fashion to previous games, the biancoseleste scored two goals in the final minutes of the match for a come-from-behind victory, despite Gordon's magnificent goal. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez proved for another time why they belong among the elite. Macca was instrumental as well. Kane was not a factor today, just as the referee...
Enzo Fernández's header in the 85th minute equalized before a Lautaro Martínez header in stoppage time proved to be the game-winning goal. Both scorers were assisted by crosses from superstar Lionel Messi, who was a constant threat throughout the game. Bellingham tried but could not stop the GOAT. Kane was not a factor for a second game in a row. Gordon was contained but was pivotal when needed. The lad from Liverpool will have a magnificent career at Barcelona if he stays healthy. Pickford was a giant despite the goals.
For most of the first half, it looked as though neither side would shoot, let alone score. Argentina and England did not record a shot in the opening 30 minutes — the first time both sides were held shotless for so long to start a match since the first World Cup to be broadcast live in 1966. Instead, the opening 45 minutes featured more fouls than anything else. By halftime, the teams combined for 19 fouls and no shots on goal.
England finally broke through in the 55th minute, as Anthony Gordon volleyed home a goal off a long cross from Morgan Rogers.
Over the next 30 minutes, however, England eschewed attacking in favor of stacking the defensive side of the field. This strategy allowed Argentina to build momentum offensively, push harder with Messi's centers, and, despite Pickford's heroics, to break through in the 85th minute.
Argentina will now look to defend its World Cup title in the final against Spain on Sunday. England has yet to play in a World Cup final since winning the tournament in 1966.
Some notes
If only Pep Guardiola were coaching England today, it would have a better chance to beat the World Champions. Then again, Tuchel did the best he could. Had he positioned his team to play more offensively, the score might have been much different; but he left many offensive players at home. That was his main fault, yet it meant a lot.
Ultimately, without Foden, Palmer, and Alexander-Arnold to showcase their offensive skills, the Argentinians managed to overcome the Brits because they were more talented and utilized their best offensive players more effectively.
As an England fan, I am devastated for another time. But the best team won today, fair and square. On Sunday, we will see another game. The Spanish are excellent tacticians; they play a totally different football, they keep the ball and know how to control the pace of the game with their passing game. But they don't have Messi (plus they don't have someone like Lautaro to sneak between defenders), so if Jamal is contained, the biancoseleste will be a tough team to beat.
Ultimately, without Foden, Palmer, and Alexander-Arnold to showcase their offensive skills, the Argentinians managed to overcome the Brits because they were more talented and utilized their best offensive players more effectively.
As an England fan, I am devastated for another time. But the best team won today, fair and square. On Sunday, we will see another game. The Spanish are excellent tacticians; they play a totally different football, they keep the ball and know how to control the pace of the game with their passing game. But they don't have Messi (plus they don't have someone like Lautaro to sneak between defenders), so if Jamal is contained, the biancoseleste will be a tough team to beat.
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