Argentina’s semi‑final surge: Messi’s magic seals World Cup final spot

Lionel Messi gets an 8.5/10 rating as Argentine players are rated after they beat England to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 15, 2026, ending England’s 84‑minute hope of reaching their first World Cup final abroad. Thomas Tuchel’s tactical setup worked almost to perfection, choking England’s supply lines and turning the reigning world champions into a frustrated, petulant mess for most of the match. When Morgan Rogers put the ball on a plate for Anthony Gordon to side‑foot home after 55 minutes, England led and the dream of a semi‑final win felt real. Then Lionel Messi happened; in the 85th minute he found Enzo Fernández, whose thunderbolt from distance forced an equaliser and revived Argentina’s hopes. With extra time looming, a trademark slide‑rule pass from Messi in the 93rd minute found substitute Lautaro Martínez, who calmly slotted home the winner and completed the comeback.

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Argentina are now off to face Spain on Sunday, while England head home to lick their wounds. The Argentine starting eleven received mixed scores, with Emiliano Martínez (GK) at 6/10 and Nahuel Molina (DF) at 5/10 after the defensive lapse that led to Gordon’s goal. Cristian Romero earned 6/10 despite an early yellow card, Lisandro Martínez 5.5/10 for struggling against England’s directness, and Nicolás Tagliafico 5/10 after a costly error that initiated the English strike. Giuliano Simeone was rated 5.5/10, Leandro Paredes 5/10, and Alexis Mac Allister 6.5/10 for his hard work against Declan Rice in midfield.

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Enzo Fernández secured an 8/10 for his late brilliance, while Lionel Messi topped the chart with 8.5/10 for his two decisive assists. Julian Álvarez earned 6/10, Nicolas González 6.5/10 after replacing Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel 7/10 for stabilising the right side, Rodrigo De Paul 6.5/10 for vital energy, and Nicolas Otamendi 6/10 for composure in the frantic finish. Lautaro Martínez finished with an 8/10, reflecting his perfect impact after entering in the 80th minute and scoring the winner.