Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Semi Final - England v Argentina - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - July 15, 2026 Argentina's Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring their first goal with Lionel Messi REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Football fans witnessed a thrilling clash between England and Argentina as the South Americans secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in the World Cup semifinals. The match, held in New York, was a rollercoaster of emotions, shifting from a physical first half to a more technical second half that ultimately favored the Albiceleste.
a tightly contested battle
The opening 45 minutes were intense, with both teams prioritizing physicality over finesse. The referee, Ismaïl Elfath, issued 19 fouls, while the combined expected goals (xG) stood at a mere 0.07—a stark contrast to the attacking football fans typically expect. The game lacked fluidity, with players more focused on disrupting opponents than creating scoring opportunities.
England’s Elliot Anderson, a Manchester City midfielder, made a strong impression with a robust tackle on Lionel Messi, demonstrating his team’s determination to counter Argentina’s star player. The Three Lions nearly broke the deadlock after halftime when Anthony Gordon capitalized on a defensive error to score in the 55th minute, silencing the crowd.
messi’s magic seals argentina’s victory
Just as it seemed England might hold on for a draw, the match took an unexpected turn. Lionel Messi, despite not finding the net himself, orchestrated two decisive passes that turned the tide. First, he set up Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute, followed by a perfect assist to Lautaro Martínez in stoppage time (90+2), sealing Argentina’s place in the final.
Messi, now 39, continues to defy expectations, carrying his team with his vision and playmaking. His performance was a masterclass in leadership, proving that even at his age, he remains a game-changer. The French team, meanwhile, will face England in the third-place playoff, a match that promises to be a grudge battle between two footballing giants.
what’s next for the finalists
The Argentina-Spain final, set for Sunday at the MetLife Stadium, will be a clash of styles—technical brilliance against tactical discipline. Spain, known for their possession-based football, will need to adapt to Argentina’s physical resilience and Messi’s creativity.
For England, the focus shifts to Saturday’s third-place match against France. The rivalry between the two nations runs deep, spanning decades of competitive encounters. While neither team may approach the game with the same intensity as a knockout match, the stakes remain high for pride and bragging rights.
