England vs Argentina Highlights: Lautaro Martinez scores late winner as Argentina reach FIFA World Cup 2026 final

Argentina reach consecutive finals. Lautaro Martinez’s late goal proved to be the decisive moment as Argentina came from behind to beat England and reach their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.

England 1-2 Argentina.

The Argentina fans are growing louder inside Atlanta Stadium. With just a one-goal lead, nothing is guaranteed yet. Questions are already being asked about Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions , particularly the decision to take off Anthony Gordon and the very late introduction of Marcus Rashford. Only time will tell what went wrong for England.

Thomas Tuchel makes two very late substitutions as Marcus Rashford replaces Djed Spence and Ivan Toney comes on for John Stones.

Another dramatic night, another assist from Lionel Messi, and another comeback from Argentina. The captain once again proves why he remains the heartbeat of this team, putting them on the brink of another World Cup final. For England, a place in the final now looks out of reach.

Lionel Messi delivers a cross from the right and Lautaro Martínez rises to head it into the net. The Inter Milan striker finds the target to put Argentina ahead in the dying moments of the semi-final.

England 1-2 Argentina

Lionel Messi plays a clever pass to Enzo Fernández, who strikes a powerful shot from distance. The Chelsea midfielder’s effort flies into the net to bring Argentina level.

England 1-1 Argentina.

Lionel Messi tries a left-footed curler from distance on the right flank, but the effort drifts wide of the target.

England make two late substitutions as Declan Rice and Reece James are replaced by Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn respectively.

Argentina are dominating in England’s final third, but Harry Kane clears the danger and wins a foul. At the same time, Argentina make a change as Nicolas Tagliafico is replaced by Lautaro Martinez.

Lionel Messi floats a long ball into the England box. Nico Gonzalez rises to head it and the effort goes just wide. The linesman’s flag is already up for offside, meaning the goal would not have counted even if it had gone in.

Argentina are enjoying more possession in England’s half but struggling to break into the box. Rodrigo De Paul delivers a cross and Alexis Mac Allister rises to head it, the effort cannons off the woodwork.

Argentina make a triple change as Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul and Gonzalo Montiel come on for Lisandro Martinez, Giuliano Simeone and Nahuel Molina. England respond with a change of their own, as Ezri Konsa replaces Anthony Gordon.

Lionel Messi swings in a cross from the right and Nico Gonzalez meets it with a header. The effort is on target and looks destined for the net, but Jordan Pickford produces a brilliant reflex save to keep England in front.

England come close again as Declan Rice takes a shot from inside the box. However, there isn’t enough power on it and Emiliano Martinez makes a comfortable save.

Argentina are struggling to find clear openings and are resorting to sideways passing in search of Lionel Messi. England, meanwhile, are focused on keeping the ball away from their own box and clearing their lines whenever possible.

Argentina launch a dangerous counter-attack with Giuliano Simeone carrying the ball into the England box. The defence tracks back well and Djed Spence produces a superb challenge to dispossess him and clear the danger.

Anthony Gordon has put England in front. Argentina’s defence is stretched as Morgan Rogers drives in a low cross from the right. Gordon meets it beautifully and fires a gorgeous shot into the net to put England ahead.

Argentina were nearly caught out at the back as Anthony Gordon and Jude Bellingham pressed high.

Lionel Messi fights off two challenges and shoots, forcing a good save from Jordan Pickford. Julian Alvarez follows up with a shot that takes a deflection. Argentina win a corner, which is cleared by John Stones. Messi then tries to make another run but is closely tracked by Jude Bellingham.

England get the second half underway in Atlanta. Both teams are still searching for the first goal after a cagey opening