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The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled as Argentina looks to defend its title against Spain. But after four wild comebacks, what was it about Argentina’s momentous performance that sealed their place in the championship? His X factor, Lionel Messi.
Although Messi hasn’t scored since Argentina’s round of 16 victory over Egypt, he still managed to score some of the decisive goals that took them to the final, including a pair of assists against England in the semifinals. For FOX Sports’ Stu Holden, he noted that England’s real chance of winning went away when Messi continued to play a factor.
“I think I said this in the 60th or 65th minute. I said, ‘Uh oh, watch out, England.’ [Messi is] “I was just camping on the right side of the field,” Holden said on The Herd. “And he’s just waiting for his opportunity to participate in this game. Not even in Messi’s or Argentina’s mind was there a thought that that game was already over. It was never going to be Messi’s last game.”
(Photo by Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
England’s first goal in the 55th minute kept them in the game. But with a second consecutive World Cup final within reach, Argentina scored twice in the 85th minute and into stoppage time to seal their victory.
In addition to their comeback victory over the Three Lions, Argentina’s path to the final saw four consecutive victories in stoppage time and extra time, including their 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the round of 32 and their 2-0 round of 16 comebacks, which saw three goals in the final 11 minutes.
Although England’s first goal convinced fans that victory was in sight, the script changed when their style of play became defensive. Holden stressed that coach Thomas Tuchel’s strategy was never going to work, especially against the defending champions and Messi.
“I think Thomas Tuchel was naive to think they could do that, not only against the reigning world champions, but against the best player in the world, Lionel Messi,” Holden said. “And then I saw it was five back and I said, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got 30 minutes left, what are we doing?’ “If Argentina sees that their back door is a little open, they will kick it down and come in, and that’s what they did.”
England’s “park the bus” strategy proved successful against Mexico and Norway, but against the World Cup’s top scorer and assist scorer, Messi and Argentina took full advantage.
Argentina is now vying for its second consecutive World Cup victory, having only lost twice in history (Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Italy in 1934 and 1938). As they prepare to face Spain, who have only conceded one goal in this tournament, how can Argentina capitalize against a star-studded lineup with Marc Cucurella, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal? Messi.
“He crosses the ball to the far post or beats you inside. It’s very difficult to defend,” Holden said of Messi. “There was always that
Argentina and Spain will compete for the World Cup title on Sunday at 3 pm ET at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
