By Omobolaji Bello
Argentina have reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after snatching a breathtaking 2-1 victory over England in stoppage time Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Anthony Gordon had put England ahead before Lionel Messi delivered two assists in the final 15 minutes, setting up Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez to complete a stunning comeback that sent Argentina through to Sunday’s final.
Fernandez pulled Argentina level in the 85th minute. Then, deep into stoppage time, Messi collected a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister struck the post and whipped a cross into the box for Martinez, who headed home to make it 2-1.
England were seconds away from the World Cup final. Instead, they are going home.
It is Argentina’s second straight World Cup final, and the manner of the victory was familiar. They outlasted Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time, came from behind against Egypt, and did it again to England.
England’s Kane and Bellingham each scored six goals at this tournament, the first time two players from the same nation achieved that feat in a single World Cup edition. It still was not enough to stop Messi.
Argentina face Spain in the final on Sunday.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
It’s long awaited. They deserve it.