Lionel Messi’s team has won each of its knockout-round matches with goals scored after the 90th minute. And now, following another late show against England, it’s heading to a second straight final. www.wsj.com/sports/socce...

Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England. After falling behind to an Anthony Gordon goal in the 55th minute, Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernandez for an 85th-minute equalizer. Moments later, in the 92nd minute, Messi delivered another assist, this time to substitute Lautaro Martinez, who headed in the winning goal. This victory sees Argentina, the reigning World Cup holders, advance to face European champions Spain in the final.

This win continues Argentina's pattern of late-game heroics in the tournament. Of their 19 goals scored in this World Cup, 10 have come in the 80th minute or later, including seven in the 90th minute or later. Messi, at 39 years old, has been central to these late surges, scoring three of his eight tournament goals in the 80th minute or later and providing crucial assists.

Messi's performance against England was particularly impactful, with his two assists leading to the comeback. He completed nine dribbles and assisted both of Argentina's goals, making him the first player since 1966 to achieve such a feat in a single World Cup match. He now has four assists and eight goals in the tournament, leading the Golden Boot race in what is expected to be his final World Cup. The final will be held at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni, expressed his awe at the team's resilience, stating, "I'm speechless to understand what the players are showing. It's impressive." This marks Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance, making Messi only the second player after Brazil's Cafu to participate in three World Cup finals. Argentina is now aiming to become the first team to retain the World Cup trophy since Brazil in 1962.

The final match will feature a highly anticipated clash between the reigning champions of Europe and South America. Messi will notably face Spain, the country where he spent a significant portion of his club career with Barcelona, for the first time in a competitive national team fixture.