Why Argentina never stops believing

A dramatic win against England puts them into another World Cup final

Lionel Messi celebrates after beating England. FIFA photo via Getty Images

Champions are often defined less by how they dominate than by how they respond when things seems to be slipping away.

Argentina looked beaten against England in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday in Atlanta. The defending champions were frustrated by England’s disciplined defense, trailed after Anthony Gordon’s 55th minute goal and appeared destined to surrender their title.

Then, in the span of seven unforgettable minutes, everything changed.

Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute from a long-range effort before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give Argentina a stunning 2-1 victory to send the Albiceleste back to the World Cup final.

On Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Lionel Messi and Argentina will face Spain in what promises to be one of the most-compelling final matches in modern World Cup history.

The comeback was about far more than simply reaching another final. It reinforced what has become Argentina’s defining characteristic at this tournament and over the past half-decade: An unwavering belief that no game is ever lost until the final whistle.

Since manager Lionel Scaloni took charge in 2018, Argentina has developed a resilience that has transformed it from a talented but psychologically fragile team into one of soccer’s great modern dynasties. Winning the 2022 World Cup erased decades of frustration. Winning consecutive Copa America titles confirmed that success was no accident. Reaching another World Cup final now offers the chance to accomplish something few national teams have managed in the modern era — successfully defending the game’s biggest prize.

Against England, however, that ambition looked to be in real jeopardy. England arrived with arguably its most balanced squad in decades. Organized defensively, dangerous on the counterattack and confident after a strong tournament, the Three Lions executed their game plan almost to perfection.

After absorbing long stretches of Argentine possession, England struck first through Gordon, whose goal silenced the sea of blue-and-white fans. For much of the second half, England seemed comfortable protecting its slim lead.

Argentina enjoyed possession, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Messi dropped deeper searching for space, but every attack appeared to end with another blocked cross or hurried shot.

The English could almost see their first World Cup final appearance since 1966. Instead, it was Argentina who reminded everyone why champions carry a different mentality.

The equalizer from Fernandez was the product of both relentless pressure and individual brilliance. Argentina refused to panic and continued attacking with patience, moving England backward and forcing mistakes.

England, so composed for more than 80 minutes, looked rattled. Argentina, energized by the equalizer, sensed vulnerability. Martinez’s winning header in stoppage time felt inevitable rather than surprising.

Matches between Argentina and England have always carried significance beyond soccer, shaped by history stretching from the Falklands War to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals. Every meeting since then has brought with it extraordinary emotion — and this one turned out to be no different.

For England, the defeat is especially painful because the final seemed within reach. This generation, headlined by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, has consistently advanced deep into major tournaments, but continues to fall short of ultimate glory. Another semifinal exit extends a frustrating pattern for one of the most talented squads in the world.

As for Messi, another World Cup title would add yet another extraordinary chapter to a career that has already rewritten nearly every record worth chasing. If Wednesday’s dramatic comeback proved anything, it is that writing off this team before the final whistle remains one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make.