Argentina’s Journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Argentina has experienced both triumph and controversy in the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup. In their initial match, a challenge by Lionel Messi on Algeria’s Aissa Mandi did not result in a card, causing public outcry. The team staged a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt in the Round of 16. Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, criticized the officiating as ‘unfair,’ while player Mostafa Zico openly claimed, ‘This tournament has been fixed.’

Criticism continued when Switzerland’s head coach, Murat Yakin, voiced concerns after Argentina won their quarterfinal clash. Despite the allegations, Messi, now 39 years old, dismissed claims of FIFA favoritism. He highlighted the impressive level of performance shown by Argentina, emphasizing, ‘We have been the best for the last four years.’ Messi also expressed pride in Argentina’s semifinal victory against England, marking another successful comeback.

On Instagram, Messi celebrated the team’s progress to the final, thanking supporters: ‘WE’RE IN THE FINAL!!!! We dug deep once again to put in another great performance.’ His post received over 3 million likes in under an hour.

In the match against England, Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute to put England ahead. However, Argentina equalized in the 85th minute with a goal by Enzo Fernandez. Lautaro Martinez secured the win with a header in stoppage time, both assisted by Messi.

During this World Cup, Messi has scored eight goals and assisted four times. His eight goals tie him with France’s Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot, but Messi’s four assists give him the edge. Messi has set records as the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 21 goals, and the all-time leader in World Cup assists with 12.

This upcoming final marks Messi’s third World Cup final and Argentina’s seventh. La Albiceleste aims to be the third team in history to win consecutive men’s World Cup titles. Only Italy and Brazil have achieved this feat, in 1934 and 1938, and 1958 and 1962 respectively. Spain, having conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, will challenge Argentina in the final on Sunday, July 19, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Meanwhile, France and England will compete for third place in Miami on Saturday, July 18.