Argentina has secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England in the semifinals. The match, held in Atlanta, saw Lionel Messi play a pivotal role in overturning an early deficit after Anthony Gordon put England ahead. In the 85th minute, the 39-year-old forward provided a crucial pass for Enzo Fernandez to equalize, before delivering the decisive cross that allowed Lautaro Martinez to head in the winning goal.
The defending champions took the field in a navy blue kit rather than their traditional sky blue and white stripes. This darker strip was requested by the Argentine Football Association to avoid a color clash with England’s all-white uniform, a move approved by FIFA. For many supporters, the navy jersey carries significant historical weight, as it was worn during Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England, featuring Diego Maradona’s iconic "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century." The kit was also used during their 1998 World Cup penalty shootout victory against the same opponent.
The encounter was played against the backdrop of the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, a territory Argentina took in 1982 before Britain regained control following a brief war. Despite the historical tension, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni noted that he did not specifically request the kit change for superstitious reasons, though he acknowledged its traditional significance. England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed respect for the decision, stating he would have made a similar choice had he been in their position.
Following the match, Messi described the victory as particularly special given the historical context between the two nations. He praised his teammates for their resilience and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. As Argentina moves forward to the final, Messi remains at the heart of the team's pursuit of another historic title.
