Argentina stuns England in dramatic FIFA World Cup semifinal
Argentina shocks England with late goals to reach FIFA World Cup final
Argentina secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup final on Wednesday night after a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England at Atlanta Stadium, marked by goals in the dying moments of the match.
The defending champions turned the game around dramatically in the final 15 minutes, first equalizing at the 85th minute before scoring the winning goal in stoppage time to lift the crowd in Georgia.
We experienced something special today. I believe the whole team felt it. This wasn’t just another victory—it was a crucial one, one the people of Argentina demanded, and one we desperately needed
, reflected Lionel Messi, alluding to the long-standing rivalry with England.
With this hard-fought win, Argentina advances to the final, continuing their streak of overcoming opponents through sheer determination—much like their previous victories over Cabo Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland in earlier rounds. The team’s relentless spirit remains their greatest strength.
Today, we chased this victory when the going got tough. We never stopped believing
, said Messi, who contributed two assists, adding, We overwhelmed them in their own half. Frankly, it’s an incredible feeling
.
This squad keeps surprising me
, admitted head coach Lionel Scaloni, praising his players’ resilience and the unwavering support from Argentine fans. What they showed today was extraordinary. We’re truly unique—and it’s not arrogance. From the bottom of our hearts, these people carried us to victory today
.
England’s captain vents frustration over heartbreaking loss
England took an early lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon redirected a brilliant cross from Morgan Rogers past the Argentine goalkeeper. Gordon’s movement had created space near the box, leaving the defense scrambling.
I’m devastated for the players, for everyone—the team, the staff, the fans
, admitted England captain Harry Kane. We controlled most of the game. When we were up 1-0, we had the impression we were just trying to hold on, and at this level, that’s not enough
.
Messi’s two assists later turned the tide, showcasing his mastery in the final 25 minutes of play.
Today, in those last 15, 20, or 25 minutes, whenever he could, Messi took control. He played like he was in his own backyard
, Scaloni observed.
Argentina equalized in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández unleashed a powerful long-range strike, sending shockwaves through the English defense. Lautaro Martínez then sealed the victory with a header in the 90th minute+2, sending the Albiceleste supporters into raptures.
Ever since my father bought me my first pair of cleats, I’ve dreamed of scoring this goal
, Martínez shared, tears in his eyes, before adding, This team keeps proving what it’s truly made of
.
Controversial display raises FIFA protocol questions
Following the final whistle, Argentine players unfurled a banner reading Las Malvinas son argentinas
[The Falklands are Argentine], referencing the long-standing territorial dispute that escalated into armed conflict in 1982.
The gesture, displayed by several players and later laid on the pitch at Atlanta Stadium by Giovanni Lo Celso, appears to violate FIFA’s ban on political messaging in stadiums during official tournaments.
Hours after the match, Argentine President Javier Milei distanced the political implications of the display, urging restraint in conflating football with the Falklands dispute. We must not mix things up
, he stated on Radio Mitre. The Falklands will be recovered through diplomatic action, not cheap patriotism. We’re making significant diplomatic progress—we’ve even gotten the UN to pressure the UK into negotiations. But we can’t blur the lines; this was just a football match
.
The Falkland Islands, a small South Atlantic archipelago, have been claimed by Argentina since its occupation by the British in 1833. A two-month war erupted in spring 1982 following the landing of Argentine junta troops on the islands, resulting in 649 Argentine and 258 British deaths.
Four years later, at the 1986 World Cup, Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with Diego Maradona’s legendary Hand of God
goal, which he later described as a symbolic revenge against the English
.
The unofficial anthem of Argentine supporters at the 2026 World Cup, La Cuarta Estrella
[The Fourth Star], echoes the disputed islands’ claim: For the Falklands, for Diego, for Leo’s last [World Cup], Argentina, I want to see you crowned champions twice over…
