breaking

FIFA World Cup: England melt down in closing minutes as Argentina snare 2-1 semifinal win

England have melted down in spectacular fashion to be cruelly denied a World Cup final berth, conceding twice in the final minutes in a 2-1 loss to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.

Chris Robinson
The West Australian
Harry Kane takes in England's loss to Enzo Fernandez and Argentina.
Harry Kane takes in England's loss to Enzo Fernandez and Argentina. Credit: Getty

England have melted down in spectacular fashion to be cruelly denied a World Cup final berth, conceding twice in the final minutes in a 2-1 loss to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.

Things had looked promising for England as they hunted their first World Cup final berth since 1966, with Anthony Gordon’s 55th minute strike giving them the advantage.

Lionel Messi reacts after Anthony Gordon's goal for England.
Lionel Messi reacts after Anthony Gordon's goal for England. Credit: Getty

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

But as England went into defensive mode, the game started to change. A stunning Enzo Fernandez hit in the 85th minute levelled the scores, before Argentina broke the hearts of England fans with a late winner.

Enzo Fernandez after his equaliser.
Enzo Fernandez after his equaliser. Credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net with a header from a pinpoint cross in the second minute of nine minutes of added time, sparking scenes of wild celebration among Argentina supporters in Atlanta.

Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi doing battle.
Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi doing battle. Credit: Elsa/Getty Images

The result means 39-year-old Messi - who provided the assists for both goals - extends his decorated World Cup career into at least one more match, with his side to face Spain in the final on Monday (WA time).

The Game NRL 2026

Messi celebrates the victory.
Messi celebrates the victory. Credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Argentina are looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to repeat as World Cup champions.

Jude Bellingham is consoled by Marc Guehi and Jordan Henderson after England’s loss.
Jude Bellingham is consoled by Marc Guehi and Jordan Henderson after England’s loss. Credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

More to come

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 15-07-2026

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 15 July 202615 July 2026

Albanese launches major mission to tame out-of-control tech. But is the AI genie out of the bottle?