16/07/2026 16:42 - Deportes
The Argentine National Team achieved a historic qualification on July 15, 2026, defeating England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The match started with high intensity, but it was England who took the lead. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring at the 10th minute of the second half, taking advantage of a defensive error. However, the Argentine spirit never broke.
The comeback was forged in the hottest minutes of the game. At the 40th minute of the second half, Enzo Fernández equalized with a true wonder goal, igniting the hope of millions of fans. But the emotion did not end there: at the 48th minute of the second half, Lautaro Martínez, who had come off the bench, touched his first ball in the match and headed it in after a pinpoint cross from Lionel Messi, setting the final 2-1 and unleashing madness.
England 1 - 2 Argentina
Goals: Gordon (55'), Enzo (85'), Lautaro (92')
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Referee: Ismail Elfath
Argentina will face Spain next Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 16:00 hs at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Spain comes from beating France 2-0 and will be a tough rival.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni bet on a team with Emiliano Martinez in goal; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico in defense; Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield; and Lionel Messi alongside Julian Alvarez in attack.
English coach Thomas Tuchel was heavily criticized for parking the bus after the 1-0, registering just 12% possession between minute 55 and 92. This tactic allowed La Albiceleste to take control of the game and decide the match fate in the last 7 minutes.
According to reports, the historic encounter featured a security operation of over 1600 personnel. It was Messi first match against England at the senior level, adding another heroic feat to his unmatched legacy. Let us go Argentina!
Alfredo S. Quiroga
