ATLANTA — Lionel Messi and Argentina have made late drama their trademark at the 2026 World Cup, producing another remarkable comeback to reach Sunday’s final against Spain.
Argentina’s 2-1 semifinal victory over England on Wednesday was the latest example of the defending champions’ resilience, overturning a one-goal deficit in the closing minutes through Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez after Messi created both goals.
The comeback followed similar escapes throughout the tournament, including rallying from 2-0 down against Egypt in the round of 16 and recovering from a late deficit against Cape Verde in the knockout stage.
Here is a look at Argentina’s decisive late moments on its run to the final:
June 22: Messi seals victory over Austria
With Argentina leading 1-0 in second-half stoppage time, Messi followed up his own rebound and fired through a crowd of defenders to secure a 2-0 group-stage victory.
June 27: Messi strikes late against Jordan
Introduced as a substitute, Messi capped a 3-1 win with an 80th-minute free kick from around 25 yards, spotting a gap in the defensive wall and drilling home.
July 3: Extra-time drama against Cape Verde
Argentina survived a major scare in the round of 32, with Lisandro Martínez scoring in the 92nd minute before a Messi corner forced an own goal in the 111th minute to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory.
July 7: Historic comeback against Egypt
Trailing 2-0 with only 11 minutes remaining, Argentina produced one of the tournament’s greatest recoveries. Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute, Messi equalized in the 83rd, and Fernández completed the comeback in stoppage time for a 3-2 win.
July 11: Extra-time breakthrough against Switzerland
With Switzerland reduced to 10 men, Argentina finally broke through in extra time as Julián Álvarez scored in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez added another deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-1 quarterfinal victory.
July 15: Messi inspires comeback against England
England led until the 85th minute before Messi set up Fernández for the equalizer and then delivered another cross for Martínez to head home the winner in stoppage time, sending Argentina into the final with a 2-1 victory.
The two late goals against England took Argentina’s total to 11 goals scored from the 79th minute onward during this World Cup, underlining the team’s remarkable ability to deliver when it matters most.
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final as it seeks to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Source: Saudi Gazette