Atlanta vs Club Atlético Güemes

Atlanta

1 — 0FT…

Club Atlético Güemes

Overview Lineups Statistics Standings Events

Players

Competition

Referee: Sebastían Zunino
Venue: Estadio Don León Kolbovski, Buenos Aires
Round: Round 30

Insights

Model outlook versus market-implied chances (overround removed from decimal odds). For entertainment and analysis only — not betting advice.

Model blend

Estimated outcome mix from Sportra's pre-match model

Atlanta45%
Draw45%
Club Atlético Güemes10%

Prematch market

No prematch 1X2 odds snapshot available.

Live market

No in-play odds snapshot was captured for this match.

Insights

Team form & competition

Atlanta ATL

Atlanta

Home

DLWLD

#2Position
55Points
15-14-8W-D-L
34/29Goals F/A

Atlanta are 2nd in Primera Nacional with 55 points (15W, 14D, 8L), scoring 34 and conceding 29.

Best wins: 4-0 / 0-1
Worst defeats: 0-3 / 4-0

Previous match

…

Next match

…

Club Atlético Güemes

Away

WWDWL

#14Position
40Points
8-16-10W-D-L
28/32Goals F/A

Club Atlético Güemes are 14th in Primera Nacional with 40 points (8W, 16D, 10L), scoring 28 and conceding 32.

Best wins: 2-0 / 0-1
Worst defeats: 1-3 / 3-1

Previous match

…

Next match

…

Head to head

1Atlantawins

0Drawsmatches

1Club Atlético Güemeswins

Recorded meetings: 2 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).

Highest scoring: Atlanta 3–1 Club Atlético Güemes
Atlanta most goals: Atlanta 3–1 Club Atlético Güemes
Club Atlético Güemes most goals: Club Atlético Güemes 2–0 Atlanta

Recent meetings

…

Match headlines

Enzo Fernández shows real quality for Argentina but Chelsea future is up in the air

theguardian.com · …

Brash midfielder has admirers in Madrid, though his World Cup displays illustrate what he can offer Xabi Alonso’s BluesEnzo Fernández was an unstoppable mix of style and spite during Argentina’s win over England. The midfielder’s first contribution during Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta was to plough into Elliot Anderson and clobber Manchester City’s new £116m signing round the head. He escaped without a booking, though, and made the most of some generous refereeing by showing the other side to his game when Argentina took control after going 1-0 down early in the second half.Much has already been said about England’s attempt to hold on to their lead. A particular frustration for fans who watch the Premier League every week was that not enough was done to disrupt Fernández. The Chelsea midfielder is a wonderful player in possession but can struggle when opponents run past him. That weakness has caused structural issues for Chelsea and will be a factor if they decide to sell the Argentinian this summer. Against England, though, Fernández was given space to do as he pleased during the second half. He pulled the strings next to Alexis Mac Allister and proved his big-game mentality by scoring the equaliser with a bending shot from 25 yards in the 85th minute. Continue reading...

↗

Enzo Fernandez rubs salt in England wounds after Chelsea take action over controversy

mirror.co.uk · …

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was a major thorn in England's side on the night that their World Cup dreams were brought to an abrupt end in Atlanta, Georgia

↗

Six Minutes of Madness: How England’s Fatal Retreat Blew a Spot in the World Cup Final

worldsoccertalk.com · …

Adrian Sousa from Rabona TV reviews a heartbreaking semifinal collapse for England as Lionel Messi's late brilliance sends the defending champions back to the final. The dream of bringing football home has dissolved in the most agonizing way imaginable. In an incredibly tense, dramatic World Cup Semifinal in Atlanta, a familiar script played out on the global stage. On the latest edition of Rabona TV, host Adrian Sousa dissects the structural choices that led to England’s devastating late collapse. Listen to the full tactical semifinal breakdown on Spotify to hear the complete post-match analysis. For 85 minutes, England did absolutely everything right. Thomas Tuchel’s side remained organized, suffocated dangerous spaces, and kept a quiet Lionel Messi isolated from his creative partners. The tactical game plan yielded the ultimate reward early in the second half when Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions into a deserved 1-0 lead. With a spot in the final just five minutes away, England made the fatal decision to sit back, lower their defensive block, and try to absorb pressure. When you invite the greatest playmaker of all time to orchestrate outside your penalty area, you pay the ultimate price. Having been neutralized for the majority of the afternoon, Messi turned the entire match on its head with a pair of late, devastating moments: The Equalizer (85th minute): Messi drifted centrally, dragging the English central defenders with him before releasing a perfectly weighted ball to Enzo Fernández, who smashed home the equalizer.The Winner (Stoppage time): Pulling out to the right wing, Messi whipped a pinpoint, curling cross over the defensive line that substitute Lautaro Martínez powerfully headed past Jordan Pickford to complete the stunning turnaround. The lightning-fast, six-minute comeback extends England’s agonizing 60-year wait for a World Cup final appearance. Instead, the tournament bracket moves forward with a monumental, mouth-watering matchup. The death-defying defending champions, who have successfully navigated three consecutive knockout-round scares, march on to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. There, they will clash with a rampant Spain team on Sunday. The match sets up a historic bid to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil did so in 1962. You can stream the entire matchday overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to stay completely updated on final scores, player ratings, and tactical previews ahead of the World Cup Final.

↗

World Cup Recap: Messi Guides Argentina Past England to Set Up Final Clash with Spain

worldsoccertalk.com · …

Dan Riccio and Blake Price break down Argentina's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England and preview the historic World Cup final matchup on The 90th Minute. The final showdown of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially locked in, and it promises to be one of the most narrative-heavy, poetic finals in football history. On the newest edition of The 90th Minute, hosts Dan Riccio and Blake Price recap a breathless night in Atlanta that saw the defending champions escape yet another single-elimination grave, before turning their attention to a highly anticipated generational battle in New Jersey. Listen to the full tactical recap and final preview on Spotify to catch up on the entire tournament breakdown. The show leads with a comprehensive autopsy of Argentina’s incredible 2-1 comeback victory over England at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions took a deserved 1-0 lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, dominating the tempo and limiting Argentina’s central avenues. However, England’s decision to drop deep and defend the narrow lead proved completely fatal. The champions mounted a furious late charge. Lionel Messi, pulling the strings from deep, orchestrated the escape with two pinpoint assists—setting up the equalizer in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez buried the 90th-minute match-winner. Dan and Blake debate whether England threw away their golden opportunity and look at what the future holds for this English squad. The focus shifts entirely to Sunday’s monumental World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium. The hosts describe this match as a dream clash of generations, framing it as a battle between Barcelona’s illustrious past and bright present. The Master: Lionel Messi is hunting a historic back-to-back global crown to put the definitive exclamation point on his legendary career.The Apprentice: 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal aims to cap off his tournament with the ultimate prize, cementing his trajectory as the game’s next all-time great. The duo analyzes the crucial tactical matchups—specifically how Spain’s suffocating midfield press led by Rodri will attempt to limit Messi’s space. They also build a highly debated combined Argentina-Spain starting XI and predict who will ultimately lift the trophy on July 19. You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to stay completely updated on final scores, tactical breakdowns, and predictions ahead of the World Cup Final.

↗

'Gutted' Harry Kane on Messi, Argentina and devastation of World Cup exit – video

theguardian.com · …

“I think there's not much to say. For now, everyone has to process what's just happened,” Harry Kane said after the defending champions, Argentina, rallied to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Enzo Fernández and the substitute Lautaro Martínez scored for Argentina. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Lionel Messi and co had other ideas. Argentina pushed for an equaliser and the pressure eventually led to Fernández scoring in the 85th minute. Martinez headed the winner two minutes into injury time.“Everyone's gutted. I'm gutted for all the boys, all the staff, everyone behind the scenes, because we know how much everyone puts into being a successful national team,” said Kane. “When you're so close, when you're 10-plus minutes away and it slips out of your hands like that, obviously, the lads are devastated.”England hearts broken after turnaround in AtlantaIn pictures: our pick of the best big-match images Continue reading...

↗

Argentina Beats England 2-1: Tuchel’s Tactical Collapse, Messi's Brilliance & Spain Final Preview

sports.yahoo.com · …

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver an unfiltered live reaction from Atlanta following Argentina's dramatic 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England. The hosts break down Thomas Tuchel's tactical failure to preserve a 1-0 lead, Enzo Fernández's world-class equalizer, and Lautaro Martinez's late 92nd-minute header that sent the Three Lions packing. Complete with viral tweets from football icons, a scathing look at England's 12% possession breakdown, and breaking injury news on William Saliba, the guys officially map out the angles for the ultimate Argentina vs. Spain final showdown.

↗

Argentina hero Lautaro Martinez fights back tears after England win: ‘I always dreamed of this goal’

worldsoccertalk.com · …

Argentina completed an incredible comeback against England, with a late Lautaro Martinez goal securing their place in the final against Spain. Argentina secured a great 2-1 victory over England in the closing stages and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Lautaro Martinez was the hero off the bench for Argentina, and he didn’t hold back on the emotion of the moment after the final whistle. “This is huge. I always dreamed of scoring this goal. My mom, from the day I left for Racing, never stopped making my bed. And that means more to me than a goal, than a final. I have my two kids, who have changed my life since they arrived. They made me slow down. Now I’m a man, I enjoy life,” Martinez said. The Inter Milan forward revealed he’d sensed the moment coming even before stepping onto the pitch against England. “I dreamed it, I swear, I told Alexis I was going to score a goal. I told Facu Medina on the bench that I was going to come on and win it. This team keeps showing what it’s made of,” he continued. Martinez also broke down how Argentina managed to turn the match around after going behind. “They got tired, after 60 minutes they had nothing left. They dropped back and we took advantage,” the forward concluded said. MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6JqVAiIL9D— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026 How Argentina completed the comeback England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who volleyed home a long cross from Morgan Rogers to put Thomas Tuchel’s side in front at Atlanta Stadium. Argentina responded with Enzo Fernandez, who leveled the score after being teed up by Lionel Messi. The game stayed level deep into the second half before Messi turned provider again, setting up Lautaro Martinez for a stoppage-time winner that completed the comeback and sent Argentina through to defend their title in the final against Spain.

↗

Video: Lautaro Martinez scores after Lionel Messi assist to complete Argentina’s comeback vs England

worldsoccertalk.com · …

With a great assist from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored a header to complete Argentina's comeback in the 2026 World Cup semifinals against England. Argentina and England battled in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Fueled by a pinpoint, right-footed cross from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal to complete a stunning, stoppage-time comeback for the Albiceleste. England broke the ice in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers whipped in a precise cross to Anthony Gordon, who shook off his marker, Nahuel Molina, to finish clinically with a first-time strike. Attempting to protect their slim lead, the Three Lions dropped deep into a defensive shell, which successfully frustrated Argentina until Enzo Fernandez leveled the score with a spectacular, long-range blast in the 85th minute. With the Three Lions struggling to escape their own half under relentless pressure, Alexis Mac Allister found a pocket of space to unleash a blistering strike that rattled off the post. The ball remained active deep in the right corner, and a relentless Lionel Messi sprinted to keep the play alive. After bringing the ball under control, Messi utilized his weaker right foot to whip a gorgeous, curling service to Lautaro Martinez, who rose above his marker in the 92nd minute to nod home the dramatic game-winner and punch Argentina’s ticket to the final. MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6JqVAiIL9D— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026 With a thrilling 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Argentina will now travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final next Sunday, July 19th, at MetLife Stadium. This represents only the second time in Argentine history that the nation has reached back-to-back World Cup finals, matching the iconic runs of the 1986 and 1990 squads. Messi continues to rewrite the record books Despite a legendary scoring run earlier in the tournament, Messi was kept off the scoresheet for a second consecutive match following tight defensive game plans from Switzerland and England. However, his lack of goals has hardly diminished his impact, as the legendary playmaker found other ways to orchestrate Argentina’s march to yet another final. His vital assist to Mac Allister in the quarterfinal against Switzerland officially cemented Messi as the all-time assist leader in World Cup history. By adding another pair of brilliant setups against England, the Argentine captain has raised his unparalleled career tournament tally to 12 assists.

↗

Show more news

Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.

Insights

Model outlook versus market-implied chances (overround removed from decimal odds). For entertainment and analysis only — not betting advice.

Model blend

Estimated outcome mix from Sportra's pre-match model

Atlanta45%
Draw45%
Club Atlético Güemes10%

Prematch market

No prematch 1X2 odds snapshot available.

Live market

No in-play odds snapshot was captured for this match.

Match headlines

Enzo Fernández shows real quality for Argentina but Chelsea future is up in the air

theguardian.com · …

Brash midfielder has admirers in Madrid, though his World Cup displays illustrate what he can offer Xabi Alonso’s BluesEnzo Fernández was an unstoppable mix of style and spite during Argentina’s win over England. The midfielder’s first contribution during Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta was to plough into Elliot Anderson and clobber Manchester City’s new £116m signing round the head. He escaped without a booking, though, and made the most of some generous refereeing by showing the other side to his game when Argentina took control after going 1-0 down early in the second half.Much has already been said about England’s attempt to hold on to their lead. A particular frustration for fans who watch the Premier League every week was that not enough was done to disrupt Fernández. The Chelsea midfielder is a wonderful player in possession but can struggle when opponents run past him. That weakness has caused structural issues for Chelsea and will be a factor if they decide to sell the Argentinian this summer. Against England, though, Fernández was given space to do as he pleased during the second half. He pulled the strings next to Alexis Mac Allister and proved his big-game mentality by scoring the equaliser with a bending shot from 25 yards in the 85th minute. Continue reading...

↗

Enzo Fernandez rubs salt in England wounds after Chelsea take action over controversy

mirror.co.uk · …

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was a major thorn in England's side on the night that their World Cup dreams were brought to an abrupt end in Atlanta, Georgia

↗

Six Minutes of Madness: How England’s Fatal Retreat Blew a Spot in the World Cup Final

worldsoccertalk.com · …

Adrian Sousa from Rabona TV reviews a heartbreaking semifinal collapse for England as Lionel Messi's late brilliance sends the defending champions back to the final. The dream of bringing football home has dissolved in the most agonizing way imaginable. In an incredibly tense, dramatic World Cup Semifinal in Atlanta, a familiar script played out on the global stage. On the latest edition of Rabona TV, host Adrian Sousa dissects the structural choices that led to England’s devastating late collapse. Listen to the full tactical semifinal breakdown on Spotify to hear the complete post-match analysis. For 85 minutes, England did absolutely everything right. Thomas Tuchel’s side remained organized, suffocated dangerous spaces, and kept a quiet Lionel Messi isolated from his creative partners. The tactical game plan yielded the ultimate reward early in the second half when Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions into a deserved 1-0 lead. With a spot in the final just five minutes away, England made the fatal decision to sit back, lower their defensive block, and try to absorb pressure. When you invite the greatest playmaker of all time to orchestrate outside your penalty area, you pay the ultimate price. Having been neutralized for the majority of the afternoon, Messi turned the entire match on its head with a pair of late, devastating moments: The Equalizer (85th minute): Messi drifted centrally, dragging the English central defenders with him before releasing a perfectly weighted ball to Enzo Fernández, who smashed home the equalizer.The Winner (Stoppage time): Pulling out to the right wing, Messi whipped a pinpoint, curling cross over the defensive line that substitute Lautaro Martínez powerfully headed past Jordan Pickford to complete the stunning turnaround. The lightning-fast, six-minute comeback extends England’s agonizing 60-year wait for a World Cup final appearance. Instead, the tournament bracket moves forward with a monumental, mouth-watering matchup. The death-defying defending champions, who have successfully navigated three consecutive knockout-round scares, march on to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. There, they will clash with a rampant Spain team on Sunday. The match sets up a historic bid to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil did so in 1962. You can stream the entire matchday overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to stay completely updated on final scores, player ratings, and tactical previews ahead of the World Cup Final.

↗

World Cup Recap: Messi Guides Argentina Past England to Set Up Final Clash with Spain

worldsoccertalk.com · …

Dan Riccio and Blake Price break down Argentina's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England and preview the historic World Cup final matchup on The 90th Minute. The final showdown of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially locked in, and it promises to be one of the most narrative-heavy, poetic finals in football history. On the newest edition of The 90th Minute, hosts Dan Riccio and Blake Price recap a breathless night in Atlanta that saw the defending champions escape yet another single-elimination grave, before turning their attention to a highly anticipated generational battle in New Jersey. Listen to the full tactical recap and final preview on Spotify to catch up on the entire tournament breakdown. The show leads with a comprehensive autopsy of Argentina’s incredible 2-1 comeback victory over England at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions took a deserved 1-0 lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, dominating the tempo and limiting Argentina’s central avenues. However, England’s decision to drop deep and defend the narrow lead proved completely fatal. The champions mounted a furious late charge. Lionel Messi, pulling the strings from deep, orchestrated the escape with two pinpoint assists—setting up the equalizer in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez buried the 90th-minute match-winner. Dan and Blake debate whether England threw away their golden opportunity and look at what the future holds for this English squad. The focus shifts entirely to Sunday’s monumental World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium. The hosts describe this match as a dream clash of generations, framing it as a battle between Barcelona’s illustrious past and bright present. The Master: Lionel Messi is hunting a historic back-to-back global crown to put the definitive exclamation point on his legendary career.The Apprentice: 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal aims to cap off his tournament with the ultimate prize, cementing his trajectory as the game’s next all-time great. The duo analyzes the crucial tactical matchups—specifically how Spain’s suffocating midfield press led by Rodri will attempt to limit Messi’s space. They also build a highly debated combined Argentina-Spain starting XI and predict who will ultimately lift the trophy on July 19. You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to stay completely updated on final scores, tactical breakdowns, and predictions ahead of the World Cup Final.

↗

'Gutted' Harry Kane on Messi, Argentina and devastation of World Cup exit – video

theguardian.com · …

“I think there's not much to say. For now, everyone has to process what's just happened,” Harry Kane said after the defending champions, Argentina, rallied to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Enzo Fernández and the substitute Lautaro Martínez scored for Argentina. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Lionel Messi and co had other ideas. Argentina pushed for an equaliser and the pressure eventually led to Fernández scoring in the 85th minute. Martinez headed the winner two minutes into injury time.“Everyone's gutted. I'm gutted for all the boys, all the staff, everyone behind the scenes, because we know how much everyone puts into being a successful national team,” said Kane. “When you're so close, when you're 10-plus minutes away and it slips out of your hands like that, obviously, the lads are devastated.”England hearts broken after turnaround in AtlantaIn pictures: our pick of the best big-match images Continue reading...

↗

Argentina Beats England 2-1: Tuchel’s Tactical Collapse, Messi's Brilliance & Spain Final Preview

sports.yahoo.com · …

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver an unfiltered live reaction from Atlanta following Argentina's dramatic 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England. The hosts break down Thomas Tuchel's tactical failure to preserve a 1-0 lead, Enzo Fernández's world-class equalizer, and Lautaro Martinez's late 92nd-minute header that sent the Three Lions packing. Complete with viral tweets from football icons, a scathing look at England's 12% possession breakdown, and breaking injury news on William Saliba, the guys officially map out the angles for the ultimate Argentina vs. Spain final showdown.

↗

Argentina hero Lautaro Martinez fights back tears after England win: ‘I always dreamed of this goal’

worldsoccertalk.com · …

Argentina completed an incredible comeback against England, with a late Lautaro Martinez goal securing their place in the final against Spain. Argentina secured a great 2-1 victory over England in the closing stages and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Lautaro Martinez was the hero off the bench for Argentina, and he didn’t hold back on the emotion of the moment after the final whistle. “This is huge. I always dreamed of scoring this goal. My mom, from the day I left for Racing, never stopped making my bed. And that means more to me than a goal, than a final. I have my two kids, who have changed my life since they arrived. They made me slow down. Now I’m a man, I enjoy life,” Martinez said. The Inter Milan forward revealed he’d sensed the moment coming even before stepping onto the pitch against England. “I dreamed it, I swear, I told Alexis I was going to score a goal. I told Facu Medina on the bench that I was going to come on and win it. This team keeps showing what it’s made of,” he continued. Martinez also broke down how Argentina managed to turn the match around after going behind. “They got tired, after 60 minutes they had nothing left. They dropped back and we took advantage,” the forward concluded said. MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6JqVAiIL9D— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026 How Argentina completed the comeback England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who volleyed home a long cross from Morgan Rogers to put Thomas Tuchel’s side in front at Atlanta Stadium. Argentina responded with Enzo Fernandez, who leveled the score after being teed up by Lionel Messi. The game stayed level deep into the second half before Messi turned provider again, setting up Lautaro Martinez for a stoppage-time winner that completed the comeback and sent Argentina through to defend their title in the final against Spain.

↗

Video: Lautaro Martinez scores after Lionel Messi assist to complete Argentina’s comeback vs England

worldsoccertalk.com · …

With a great assist from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored a header to complete Argentina's comeback in the 2026 World Cup semifinals against England. Argentina and England battled in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Fueled by a pinpoint, right-footed cross from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal to complete a stunning, stoppage-time comeback for the Albiceleste. England broke the ice in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers whipped in a precise cross to Anthony Gordon, who shook off his marker, Nahuel Molina, to finish clinically with a first-time strike. Attempting to protect their slim lead, the Three Lions dropped deep into a defensive shell, which successfully frustrated Argentina until Enzo Fernandez leveled the score with a spectacular, long-range blast in the 85th minute. With the Three Lions struggling to escape their own half under relentless pressure, Alexis Mac Allister found a pocket of space to unleash a blistering strike that rattled off the post. The ball remained active deep in the right corner, and a relentless Lionel Messi sprinted to keep the play alive. After bringing the ball under control, Messi utilized his weaker right foot to whip a gorgeous, curling service to Lautaro Martinez, who rose above his marker in the 92nd minute to nod home the dramatic game-winner and punch Argentina’s ticket to the final. MESSI SENDS IT INTO TO LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ AND ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇷WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6JqVAiIL9D— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026 With a thrilling 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Argentina will now travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final next Sunday, July 19th, at MetLife Stadium. This represents only the second time in Argentine history that the nation has reached back-to-back World Cup finals, matching the iconic runs of the 1986 and 1990 squads. Messi continues to rewrite the record books Despite a legendary scoring run earlier in the tournament, Messi was kept off the scoresheet for a second consecutive match following tight defensive game plans from Switzerland and England. However, his lack of goals has hardly diminished his impact, as the legendary playmaker found other ways to orchestrate Argentina’s march to yet another final. His vital assist to Mac Allister in the quarterfinal against Switzerland officially cemented Messi as the all-time assist leader in World Cup history. By adding another pair of brilliant setups against England, the Argentine captain has raised his unparalleled career tournament tally to 12 assists.

↗

Show more news

Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.