Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final<\/strong>, where they will face Spain in a showdown between two football giants.<\/p>\n England looked on course for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon<\/strong> broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, giving the Three Lions the lead in a fiercely contested semi-final.<\/p>\n However, Argentina responded in the closing stages. Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez<\/strong> levelled the match in the 85th minute after being set up by Lionel Messi<\/strong>, before substitute Lautaro Mart\u00ednez<\/strong> headed home the winner deep into stoppage time from another pinpoint Messi assist.<\/p>\n The victory sends Lionel Scaloni\u2019s side into a second consecutive World Cup final and keeps alive Argentina\u2019s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.<\/p>\n At 39, Messi once again proved decisive, orchestrating Argentina\u2019s comeback with two assists as he continues his remarkable tournament. The Argentine captain has now played a pivotal role in guiding the reigning champions to another shot at football\u2019s biggest prize.<\/p>\n Argentina will now meet Spain<\/strong> in Sunday\u2019s final after the European champions defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final. England, meanwhile, will face France in the third-place playoff.<\/p>\n Source:<\/strong> AFP<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/169774-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n