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Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with his teammates after defeating England 2-1 to advance to the final at the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal held at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on the 15th (local time). / Reuters, Yonhap

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami is set to challenge for another World Cup trophy in what will be his final World Cup appearance. Driven by Messi's stellar performance, Argentina has reached the World Cup final for the second consecutive time, leaving them with just one final hurdle to clear for back-to-back championships.

Argentina secured its spot in the final by defeating England 2-1 in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on the 15th (local time). As the reigning champion of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Argentina is making its second consecutive appearance in the final, aiming for its fourth overall World Cup title and seeking to become only the third nation in history to win back-to-back tournaments.

For Messi, this is the perfect opportunity to craft the ultimate finale. Having lifted his first-ever World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022, Messi has once again captained his team to the final, leaving him just one match away from securing his second personal World Cup title. Argentina will face Spain, who advanced after defeating France, in the final. The two teams will clash for the championship at New York New Jersey Stadium on the 20th.

The primary driving force behind Argentina's smooth run to the final has been its rock-solid teamwork and rich game management. Manager Lionel Scaloni maintained a balanced tactical approach by maximizing the work rate of his midfield—consisting of Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul—around Messi. While remaining tactically flexible depending on the opponent, the team showed strong determination by staying focused until the final whistle, with Messi's clutch playmaking at decisive moments proving why they are championship contenders.

Argentina refused to back down even after conceding the opening goal, eventually turning the match around through bold substitutions and offensive pressure. On the other hand, England’s decision to drop too deep into defense after taking the lead proved to be their downfall.

Manager Lionel Scaloni opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Messi and Julian Alvarez leading the attack as a strike partnership. In response, England deployed a 4-2-3-1 system with Harry Kane as the lone striker.

The tense deadlock was finally broken in the second half. England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted a cross from Morgan Rogers. Following the goal, manager Thomas Tuchel brought on several defenders in an attempt to protect the lead.

However, this decision ultimately handed the offensive momentum over to Argentina. Argentina pressed hard until the final minutes, and it was Messi who rose to the occasion as the savior. In the 85th minute, after breaking down the English defense with short passes during a corner kick situation, Enzo Fernandez fired home a powerful equalizer from a Messi pass.

Messi was not finished yet. In the second minute of stoppage time, he delivered an exquisite right-footed cross to assist the match-winner. Lautaro Martinez headed the ball into the net to complete the comeback, and Argentina held onto the lead to seal their place in the final.

Messi played a decisive role in the comeback, registering two assists on the day. Having once again proven his unmatched presence in his final World Cup, he now aims for a historic finish with his second personal World Cup trophy and Argentina's back-to-back championship. Currently tied with Kylian Mbappe of France as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals, Messi is also in the hunt for the Golden Boot.

If Argentina wins, they will become only the third nation in history to achieve back-to-back World Cup titles. To date, only Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) have accomplished this feat. Argentina now has the chance to write a new chapter in football history for the first time in 64 years.

                                                                                                         Chun Hyun-bin