Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Argentina fought back to beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on July 15, booking their place in the final with a performance inspired by the veteran forward's creativity.
Although Messi failed to find the net for the second consecutive match, he produced assists for both Argentine goals as the defending champions recovered from a difficult position in the second half. The victory moved Argentina one step closer to retaining the World Cup title.
Messi's latest display took his tournament tally to eight goals and four assists, strengthening his case in the long-running debate over football's greatest-ever player. Ahead of the World Cup, comparisons between Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo had once again dominated discussions, rekindling a rivalry that defined their years at Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni believes there is no longer any room for debate.
"There are no longer any doubts that he is the greatest footballer in history," said Scaloni during the post-match press conference, as quoted by Marca.
Argentina's journey through the knockout stages has been far from straightforward. The defending champions were forced to battle through difficult contests, including a comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 after falling two goals behind, while also being pushed hard by Cabo Verde.
Scaloni said his players tend to produce their best football when faced with adversity and praised their ability to seize opportunities when opponents begin to lose confidence.
"I honestly think this team plays its best football when it's under pressure," Scaloni told a post-match press conference.
"When we're struggling, and the opponent hesitates just a little, we smell blood and we go for it with everything we've got. That's the feeling this team gives me.
"I'm happy because the team fought until the very end, and that's fundamental for me. Even if we'd gone home eliminated, we would have done so knowing we'd left everything on the field."
Argentina now stand on the verge of history. A victory over Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, would make them only the third nation after Italy and Brazil to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
