Argentina’s journey in the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup has been marked by thrilling comebacks and heated controversy. Their opening match against Algeria saw Lionel Messi avoid a card for his tackle on Aissa Mandi, igniting widespread disapproval. The team then staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt in the Round of 16. Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, criticized what he deemed “unfair” officiating, while player Mostafa Zico openly accused, “It’s clear that this tournament has been fixed.” Murat Yakin, Switzerland’s head coach, echoed similar sentiments following Argentina’s victory over his team in the quarterfinal.
Messi, now 39 years old, dismissed critics after leading Argentina to another stunning win against England in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 15. He refuted conspiracy claims that Argentina benefited from FIFA favoritism, emphasizing the “incredible” skills of his team. Messi confidently stated, “We have been the best for the last four years,” following yet another comeback against England. “Whoever it upsets, whatever they say, this team has shown that on the pitch, no one gives us anything for free,” he said, later expressing his joy and pride in bringing more joy to fans.
On Instagram, Messi celebrated their advancement to the final, writing, “WE’RE IN THE FINAL!!!!!” with three Argentina flag emojis. He expressed gratitude to supporters, saying, “A huge thank you to everyone who believed in this group!!!” and urged unity with “Let’s go Argentina!!!!” As of this writing, his post has garnered over 3 million likes in under an hour.
England’s Anthony Gordon initially gave his team a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 55th minute, but Argentina’s determination shone through in the final stages. Enzo Fernandez scored the equalizer with an impressive shot from outside the box in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez secured the victory with a decisive header in stoppage time. Messi assisted both goals, reinforcing his pivotal role in the team.
In his record-setting sixth World Cup appearance, Messi has tallied eight goals and four assists. His eight goals tie with Kylian Mbappe of France for the Golden Boot, but Messi surpasses with four assists to Mbappe’s three. Over the month, Messi has achieved the status of all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 21 goals and holds the record for most World Cup assists at 12.
Messi anticipates his third World Cup final, Argentina’s seventh overall, aiming to make La Albiceleste the third nation to secure consecutive men’s World Cup titles. Italy (1934, ’38) and Brazil (1958, ’62) have achieved this feat, and Spain stands as Argentina’s challenging opponent in the final at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19. Spain has maintained robust defense, conceding a single goal throughout the tournament.
For the third-place match, France and England will face off in Miami on Saturday, July 18.
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