Lionel Messi once again proved why he is regarded as one of football's greatest-ever players, inspiring Argentina to a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over England to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Trailing 1-0 until the closing stages, the defending champions turned the match around with two late goals, keeping alive their dream of retaining the World Cup title.

England looked set for a historic final after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the 55th minute. However, Argentina launched a relentless late assault, dominating possession and creating chance after chance. The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Messi set up Enzo Fernández, who fired home a spectacular long-range equaliser to revive Argentina's hopes.

With extra time looming, Messi produced another moment of brilliance. In the second minute of stoppage time, the 39-year-old delivered a pinpoint cross that substitute Lautaro Martínez headed into the net, completing a dramatic comeback and sending Argentina into their second consecutive World Cup final. Messi finished the match with two assists, taking his tournament tally to eight goals and four assists.

The victory also means Messi is set to appear in the third World Cup final of his career, having previously featured in the 2014 and 2022 finals. Argentina will now face European champions Spain in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Chasing back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962, Argentina will once again look to their inspirational captain, whose decisive performance against England reaffirmed why many consider him the undisputed king of world football.