{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Argentina Stun England With Late Double Strike To Reach Back-to-Back World Cup Final",
  "summary": "Argentina beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, with Lionel Messi setting up two late goals to send his team into a second straight final, where they will meet Spain.",
  "content": "Argentina have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final after beating England 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal. The defending champions will now appear in the title clash for the second consecutive time. Captain Lionel Messi struggled through the first half but turned the game on its head in the closing moments of the second half, setting up both goals as Argentina staged a stunning comeback to snatch victory from England. Argentina will now face Spain in the final.\n\nMessi's Late Magic\nMessi cut a frustrated figure for much of the first half, losing possession to opposition players 15 times, his worst performance in a major tournament since 2018. It raised questions about his form heading into the business end of the match. But under intense pressure in the dying minutes, Messi reminded everyone why he is considered among the greatest footballers in the world, delivering two decisive assists that turned the contest in Argentina's favour.\n\nHow The Match Turned\nEngland struck first, with Anthony Gordon putting them ahead in the 55th minute to make it 1-0. Argentina were pushed onto the back foot but refused to buckle. In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez converted a pass from Messi to level the score at 1-1. Just seven minutes later, in the 90 plus two minute, Lautaro Martinez struck again off another pass from his captain, sealing a 2-1 win for Argentina and confirming their spot in the final.\n\nSpain Await In The Final\nArgentina's opponents in the final will be Spain, who reached the title match by beating France in their semifinal. The defending champions will now take on Spain for the World Cup trophy.\n\nEngland To Face France For Third Place\nHaving lost their semifinal, England will now play France in the playoff for third place. France had lost 2-0 to Spain in the first semifinal, played on Tuesday. Both teams will now battle it out for the tournament's third spot.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• For football fans: The final will now be an Argentina versus Spain contest, meaning Lionel Messi's side gets another shot at defending the title in a high-stakes showdown.\n• For England and France supporters: Both teams will meet in the third-place playoff, giving their fans one more match to follow before the tournament wraps up.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Who will Argentina face in the final?\nArgentina will play Spain in the final, after Spain beat France in their semifinal.\n\n2. What was the score in the Argentina versus England semifinal?\nArgentina beat England 2-1 to book their place in the final.\n\n3. Who scored the winning goal?\nLautaro Martinez scored the winner in the 90 plus two minute off a pass from captain Messi.\n\n4. How did Messi perform in the first half?\nMessi lost the ball to opponents 15 times in the first half, his worst performance in a major tournament since 2018.\n\n5. Who scored the equalizer for Argentina?\nEnzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute by converting a pass from Messi.\n\n6. When did England take the lead and who scored it?\nAnthony Gordon put England ahead 1-0 in the 55th minute.\n\n7. Which teams will play in the third-place playoff?\nHaving lost their semifinals, England and France will play each other for third place.\n\n8. By what score did Spain beat France?\nSpain beat France 2-0 in the first semifinal, played on Tuesday.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/football/antima-minaton-men-messi-ke-do-gola-men-satha-argentina-ne-england-ko-harakara-racha-lagatara-dusara-phainala-8009",
  "category": "Football",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-16",
  "tags": [
    "FIFA World Cup",
    "Argentina",
    "England",
    "Lionel Messi",
    "Final",
    "Spain",
    "Semifinal"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}