FIFA World Cup: Messi Inspires Argentina to Second Consecutive Final, Beats England

With a sensational comeback victory against England, Argentina, driven by the inspiration of Lionel Messi, has advanced to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In the second semifinal held at midnight on Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, defending champions Argentina defeated England 2–1.

England took the lead in the 55th minute through a goal by winger Anthony Gordon. With just five minutes remaining in regulation time, midfielder Enzo Fernández struck a long-range goal to bring Argentina back into the game.

In injury time, substitute striker Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive header. Both of Argentina’s goals came from Messi’s assists.

Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday. The match will kick off at 12:45 AM Nepali time.

Spain and Argentina will be meeting in international football after eight years.

The last encounter between the two sides was a friendly match on March 27, 2018, in Spain, where the home team triumphed 6–1.

A scheduled fixture on March 27, 2026, in Qatar was canceled due to violence in the Middle East. That match was supposed to be part of the Finalissima, with Spain as Euro Cup champions and Argentina as Copa América champions.

Now, the two nations will battle for the title in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Monday. Spain reached the final by defeating France in the first semifinal, while Argentina secured their spot by beating England on Thursday morning.

In World Cup history, Spain and Argentina have met only once before—in the group stage of the 1966 World Cup in England, where Argentina won 2–1.

Overall, in international football, the two countries have faced each other 14 times. Spain and Argentina have each won six matches, while two ended in draws.