Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Lionel Messi will play in a third FIFA World Cup final after guiding Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over England at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late goals, but Lionel Messi created both as the defending champions kept their title defence alive.
The 39-year-old completed nine dribbles and collected his fifth player-of-the-match award of the tournament. His two assists turned a possible final World Cup heartbreak into another chance to lift the trophy when Argentina face Spain at MetLife Stadium on Monday morning AEST.
For the full match result, read how Argentina completed their comeback against England, while the official FIFA World Cup page carries final details and tournament updates.
Lionel Messi Delivers the Late Difference
Lionel Messi’s first assist was a short pass to Enzo Fernández, who struck from outside the penalty area in the 85th minute. The second required greater skill as Lionel Messi escaped England’s defensive shape and crossed with his right foot for Lautaro Martínez at the back post.
England had contained Lionel Messi for long periods, but his calmness became more telling as Thomas Tuchel’s team dropped deeper. Alexis Mac Allister struck the post moments before the winning goal, yet Lionel Messi stayed involved and found the one area England had failed to cover.
“They have the GOAT. The greatest of all time,” former England defender Micah Richards said during BBC coverage.
The performance took Lionel Messi to eight goals and four assists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has now scored or assisted in 11 consecutive World Cup matches and has 21 goals and 12 assists across his tournament career.
Lionel Messi has received the player-of-the-match award in every Argentina knockout victory at this tournament. He also earned the honour after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria during the group stage.
A Third Final Once Looked Impossible
Lionel Messi’s appearance in another final carries more weight because he briefly retired from international football in 2016. Argentina had lost the Copa America Centenario final to Chile on penalties at MetLife Stadium, the same venue that will host the meeting with Spain.
“The national team is ended for me,” Lionel Messi said after that defeat.
“It is not for me, after four finals. It is the decision I’ve made, I believe that, yes.”
A public campaign in Argentina helped convince Lionel Messi to return before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His international story remained unfinished after that tournament, but the pressure finally eased when Argentina defeated France on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar.
Lionel Messi scored twice during the 3-3 draw before converting in Argentina’s 4-2 shootout victory. The trophy ended a long wait following the 2014 final defeat to Germany, when Mario Götze scored the extra-time winner.
Inter Miami CF Move Did Not End His Ambition
Lionel Messi later left Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami CF, prompting questions about whether Major League Soccer could prepare him for another World Cup. His age, reduced defensive workload and departure from European club football encouraged the belief that his international career was almost over.
Lionel Messi instead remained focused on another tournament and completed a training block in Argentina last December. That preparation helped him maintain his attacking output while Lionel Scaloni built a team capable of covering ground around him.
The system allows Lionel Messi to conserve energy without becoming detached from Argentina’s attacks. Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul provide the midfield running, while Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez stretch defensive lines.
Lionel Messi has recorded 35 goals and 30 assists for Argentina at major tournaments. Ten of his 12 World Cup assists have come during knockout matches, with no other player having more than eight.
Argentina Continue Escaping Elimination
Argentina’s route to the final has tested the defending champions in every knockout round. Cabo Verde forced extra time, Egypt led 2-0, Switzerland also took Argentina beyond 90 minutes, and England held a 1-0 advantage until the 85th minute.
Those recoveries have depended on collective running, patience and Lionel Messi’s ability to decide close matches. Argentina have repeatedly kept playing after falling behind or failing to break opponents down during regulation time.
“It’s crazy what we have achieved… this can make someone sad, they can say whatever they want,” Lionel Messi said after the semifinal.
“This group shows no one is giving us anything for free.”
Lionel Messi also praised Argentina’s response after England moved ahead through Anthony Gordon.
“This team never stops trying. We went out there playing football and with real determination,” Lionel Messi said.
“We pinned them back in their own half and showed we could win it in normal time, without going to extra time.”
Spain Await at MetLife Stadium
Lionel Messi will join Brazil great Cafu as the only men to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals. He is also set to become the oldest outfield player to feature in the men’s final when Argentina meet European champions Spain.
The match will bring Lionel Messi up against Spain teenager Lamine Yamal, one of the tournament’s leading young players. It also gives Argentina the chance to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the men’s World Cup.
Lionel Messi’s international career was once defined by painful final defeats and doubts over whether he could match his FC Barcelona success with Argentina. He now stands one win away from lifting the World Cup for a second consecutive tournament.
