Argentina stunned England with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, securing a place in the final after dramatic goals in stoppage time at Atlanta’s stadium.

The defending champions launched a late surge, equalizing in the 85th minute and then scoring again in added time to escape with a hard-fought win in Georgia.

We felt something special today. I think the team felt it too. This wasn’t just another win—it was a crucial victory that both we and our nation desperately wanted, declared Lionel Messi, reflecting on the historic rivalry with England.

Argentina advances despite an uneven performance throughout the tournament, having barely survived earlier matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland. Their relentless fighting spirit continues to define this team’s journey.

Today, we fought until the very end when things looked bleak. We never stopped believing, added the Argentine captain, who contributed two decisive assists. The way we pushed them back in their own half—it was pure joy, he confessed.

This team keeps surprising me, admitted head coach Lionel Scaloni, praising his players’ resilience and the passionate support from Argentine fans. What they’ve shown is incredible. We’re something special—not arrogance, but from the heart, these people carried us to victory today.

England’s heartbreak at the final hurdle

England took an early lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a brilliant cross from Morgan Rogers. Gordon had freed himself with a well-timed run near the box before slotting home.

I’m gutted for the players, for everyone—the team, the staff, the fans, confessed England captain Harry Kane. We controlled most of the game. When we were leading 1-0, we seemed content to hold on, and at this level, that’s not enough, he admitted.

Two late assists from Messi turned the tide, with Argentina equalizing in the 85th minute and scoring again in stoppage time to seal their victory.

In the final 15, 20, or 25 minutes, Messi took control whenever he could. He played like he was in his own backyard, observed Scaloni about his captain’s dominance.

Enzo Fernández pulled Argentina level with a long-range strike in the 85th minute, sending shockwaves through the English defense. Lautaro Martínez then headed in a winner in the 90th+2 minute, sealing the Albiceleste’s spot in the final.

Since my dad bought me my first pair of cleats, I’ve dreamed of scoring this goal, Martínez shared through tears. This team just keeps proving what it’s made of.

England’s Three Lions fell agonizingly short of the final for the second time in eight years, matching their 2018 semi-final exit and coming up empty-handed 58 years after their last World Cup triumph in 1966.

The first semi-final saw Spain defeat France 2-0 at Dallas Stadium in Texas the day before.

Falklands dispute resurfaces after Argentina’s win

Following the final whistle, Argentine players displayed a banner reading The Falklands are Argentine, reigniting the long-standing territorial dispute that flared into a brief but bloody war in 1982.

The gesture, carried by several players and later laid on the pitch by Giovanni Lo Celso, appears to violate FIFA’s rules prohibiting political statements in stadiums during official tournaments.

Hours later, Argentine President Javier Milei weighed in, urging restraint. We must not conflate football with the Falklands issue, he stated on Radio Mitre. These islands won’t be recovered through cheap patriotism, but through smart diplomacy. We’ve made major diplomatic progress, even securing a UN resolution forcing the UK to the negotiating table—but let’s keep things separate. This was just a football match.

The Falkland Islands, a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic, have been claimed by Argentina since British forces occupied them in 1833. Tensions escalated in April 1982 when Argentine troops landed, triggering a 74-day conflict that left 649 Argentine and 258 British soldiers dead.

The rivalry’s intensity was on full display in 1986, when Argentina eliminated England 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals—thanks in part to Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal, which he later called a symbolic revenge against the English.

For Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, the unofficial anthem La Cuarta Estrella (The Fourth Star) echoes that same sentiment: For the Falklands, for Diego, for Leo’s last dance, Argentina, I want to see you crowned world champions twice.