World Cup – Lautaro Martinez scores the winning goal to secure a 2-1 victory for Argentina over England and advance to the final.

Another key match in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals saw defending champions Argentina defeat England 2-1 after trailing by one goal, thanks to goals from Enzo and Lautaro.

Three minutes into the match, Argentine midfielder Enzo pushed Elliott Anderson while defending, sparking a conflict between the players from both sides, but the referee made no call. Argentina and England then made several attempts to control the ball, but were unable to create any shooting opportunities.

In the 31st minute, Enzo fouled Bellingham, and the referee awarded England a free kick. Rice then took the free kick, and Stones' header went wide. In the 37th minute, Elliott Anderson fouled Messi and was shown a yellow card by the referee.

In the 38th minute, Paderers passed the ball to Messi, who took a long-range shot from near the penalty area, but it was cleared by the opposing player.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Argentina launched an attack. Giuliano Simeone headed the ball across, and Alvarez followed up with a long-range shot, but the ball was saved by England goalkeeper Pickford. In the 51st minute, Bellingham was tackled by Romero while attempting a breakthrough, and the referee showed Romero a yellow card.

In the 55th minute, Morgan Rodgers chipped a pass from the right wing into the penalty area, where Gordon volleyed it into the net, giving England a 1-0 lead. In the 61st minute, Enzo received a pass from Padersey outside the penalty area and fired a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 66th minute, Reece James passed the ball diagonally, and Rice received it before taking a long-range shot, which was saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Rice then created an attacking opportunity, but Kane's follow-up shot was blocked. In the 76th minute, De Paul delivered a cross, and McAllister headed the ball towards goal, but it struck the post.

In the 82nd minute, Reece James suffered an injury and was subsequently replaced by Dan Burn. In the 85th minute, Argentina took a corner kick, Messi received the ball and passed it across, Enzo received it at the edge of the penalty area and fired a long-range shot into the net, helping Argentina equalize the score at 1-1.

In stoppage time of the second half, Messi crossed from the right wing, and Lautaro Martinez headed the ball into the net, helping Argentina take a 2-1 lead over England.

In the end, Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 and advance to the final.

Image source: Internet