Argentina-England, 40 years on: the comeback that reached the final
The semi-final between Argentina and England renewed one of football's great rivalries, four decades after the famous 1986 clash. The Albiceleste won 2-1 with two goals in the closing minutes, both assisted by Lionel Messi.
Argentina against England is always more than a match. The 2026 World Cup semi-final renewed a historic rivalry, four decades after the unforgettable 1986 tie, and once again fell the Albiceleste's way in a nail-biting finish: 2-1 with two goals in the final minutes.
England had gone ahead in the second half through Anthony Gordon (55') and were holding the lead on the way to the final. But, once more, Lionel Messi appeared. The Argentine captain assisted Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute for the equaliser and, in stoppage time (90+2), teed up Lautaro Martínez for the decisive 2-1. Two golden passes to turn the tie around.
The comeback carried special symbolism: forty years after Diego Maradona scored England the most famous goals in World Cup history, it was again Argentina —with Messi as master of ceremonies— who knocked the English out at a decisive stage.
Lautaro, with his goal in the dying seconds, became the executioner of a perfect night for Argentine fans. The Albiceleste reached the final, where they would lose to Spain, but the semi against England is already part of the tournament's memory. See the match report and the World Cup's assists on our site.