Ananya Lohia , Mexico - Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. This victory sends the defending champions into a second consecutive World Cup final, keeping their dream of retaining the title alive.

England looked in control after Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute strike gave the Three Lions the lead. But when it mattered most, Messi stepped up. The Argentine captain set up Enzo Fernandez's stunning equaliser in the 85th minute before producing another moment of brilliance in stoppage time, delivering a perfect cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home the dramatic winner

Although Messi did not score, his creativity and leadership proved decisive as Argentina completed another remarkable knockout-stage comeback. The victory also kept alive their bid to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup. Argentina will now take on Spain in Sunday's final, while England will face France in the third-place playoff.

Argentina now stands just one victory away from making history. With Lionel Messi continuing to inspire on football's biggest stage, the defending champions will look to lift the World Cup trophy once again in a blockbuster final against Spain.