Messi not done yet after inspiring Argentina to World Cup final

Lead

Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal, earning a spot in Sunday's final against Spain. The 39-year-old captain provided two assists in the final minutes of the match, capping a comeback that saw the defending champions rally from a goal down.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from multiple outlets, including ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, BBC — World, Buenos Aires Times, France 24 — English, and TASS — English, all confirm the 2-1 scoreline and Messi's two assists. However, the framing varies. ABC Australia and BBC — World focus on Messi's greatness and Argentina's chance at a repeat, while Al Jazeera highlights Spain's perspective, particularly the role of Mikel Merino. Buenos Aires Times and France 24 — English emphasize Argentina's teamwork and determination, and TASS — English reports the result with a focus on the upcoming final.

Key Claims

• Argentina beat England 2-1 in the semifinal after trailing to Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal. Messi teed up Enzo Fernández for an 85th-minute equalizer and delivered the cross for Lautaro Martínez's stoppage-time header. This was reported by ABC Australia, BBC — World, Buenos Aires Times, France 24 — English, and TASS.

• Messi provided two assists in the match, bringing his total to four assists in the tournament. This is confirmed by all major sources.

• Argentina has never lost a World Cup semifinal, a record maintained with this victory, as noted by BBC — World and Buenos Aires Times.

• Messi has played in six different World Cup tournaments, now holding a record 33 World Cup appearances, according to BBC — World.

• Argentina will play Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. This was confirmed by ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, France 24, and TASS.

• Messi has scored eight goals in seven games in the 2026 World Cup, making him the joint top-scorer. This claim was reported by BBC — World and Al Jazeera.

• Messi is considered among the best players ever, with several outlets using terms like "greatness" and "legend." BBC — World quoted Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni saying Messi is the best player in history. This sentiment is widely shared.

• Argentina is one win away from winning successive World Cups, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1962. This was reported by BBC — World.

• If Argentina wins, Messi will become the first captain to lift the World Cup trophy twice, a claim carried by BBC — World.

• Mikel Merino has been key for Spain, scoring late winners in two matches, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

Argentina and Messi's camp: Lionel Messi described the victory as "special," particularly given the historical context of facing England. He praised his teammates' character and grit, saying, "We never stopped believing." Coach Lionel Scaloni called Messi "the best player in history," and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez noted that moving Messi to the right wing was key.

Spain's camp: Mikel Merino acknowledged the "huge challenge" of containing Messi but expressed confidence in his own abilities. He highlighted the motivation of facing the defending champions and the collective spirit of Spain's squad.