Who won yesterday's FIFA World Cup 2026 England vs Argentina match? The semi-final ended with a dramatic late twist

Argentina vs England saw Lionel Messi's defending champions stage a dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring in the closing minutes to send Argentina into Sunday's final against Spain.

England looked set to book their first World Cup final appearance since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in the second half. However, Argentina dominated the closing stages as Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before substitute Martinez headed home the winner in stoppage time. Messi played a decisive role by setting up both goals.

The result added another memorable chapter to one of football's fiercest rivalries, with Argentina keeping alive their bid for another world title while England's hopes of ending a decades-long wait for a World Cup final were extinguished.

Argentina overturn deficit with late goals

England took the lead in the 55th minute after Nicolas Tagliafico's attempted clearance fell to Declan Rice, who released Morgan Rogers with a through ball. Rogers delivered a cross to the back post where Gordon guided the ball past Emiliano Martinez to put England ahead.

Argentina intensified the pressure as England retreated deep into their own half. The equaliser arrived in the 85th minute when Messi found Fernandez in space outside the penalty area, allowing the midfielder to fire a 20 metre strike beyond Jordan Pickford.

Martinez, introduced in the 81st minute, completed the turnaround in the second minute of added time. After Alexis Mac Allister's effort struck the post, Messi collected the rebound on the right before delivering a cross that Martinez headed into the net.

Messi inspires defending champions

The victory held added significance for 39-year-old Messi, who is widely expected to be playing in the final World Cup of his career.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players after the dramatic win.

"We are truly unique, and that's not arrogance. From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I'm lost for words. A joy for our country, for our people," Scaloni said.

Martinez described the winning goal as an emotional moment.

"This is really emotional. The first time my dad bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal. It was really tough today. Enzo scored a brilliant goal and I'm confident this team is continuing to show what it's made of," he said.

England left heartbroken

England matched Argentina for much of the contest but failed to withstand sustained late pressure after taking the lead.

Captain Harry Kane expressed his disappointment after the defeat.

"Just gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans. We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, it's not enough," Kane said.

"Gutted because we've worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is. So to fall short like we did today, just gutted."

England manager Thomas Tuchel said he had no regrets despite the result.

"The team gave everything and we were very, very close. The team was top, we couldn't bring it over the line, but at the moment no regrets," he said.

Historic rivalry delivers another classic

The semi-final lived up to its billing as one of football's most storied rivalries, shaped by memorable World Cup encounters over the decades.

After a physical first half marked by fierce challenges and heated exchanges, the contest came alive after the break. England rarely threatened after taking the lead, while Argentina relentlessly attacked until Fernandez and Martinez completed a remarkable comeback.

Argentina's supporters vastly outnumbered England's fans at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, transforming the venue into a sea of sky blue and white. Their chants drowned out England supporters before the match, while ring announcer Michael Buffer's trademark introduction, "Let's get ready to rumble!", set the stage for a fiercely contested encounter that ended with Argentina securing their place in the World Cup final.