Sadiq S BhatWashington, DC — Lionel Messi delivered another iconic World Cup moment as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semifinals and reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with the veteran forward at the heart of a dramatic semi-final comeback.
Argentina arrived in Atlanta wearing a kit rarely seen on football’s biggest nights.
Instead of their usual sky blue and white stripes, the defending champions stepped out in navy blue, a shirt many fans believe carries a touch of fortune whenever they face England.
The choice was approved by FIFA after the Argentine Football Association requested the darker strip to avoid a clash with England’s traditional all-white kit.
The navy blue jersey carries deep memories for Argentine supporters. It was worn during Argentina’s famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final victory over England, when Diego Maradona scored the legendary "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" goals.
The kit was also used in Argentina’s penalty shootout win over England at the 1998 World Cup.
Against England in Atlanta, however, it was Messi who created the latest chapter.
After Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, the 39-year-old produced two decisive moments. He delivered the pass for Enzo Fernandez to smash in an 85th-minute equaliser before providing the cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner.
Messi called the victory “quite a special one”, particularly because of the history between the two nations.
“Especially playing against England with all the historical context,” he said after the match.
Falkland Islands dispute
The semi-final was played against the backdrop of the long-running sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. Argentina took the islands in 1982 before Britain regained control following a brief war.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier played down suggestions that the navy blue kit was chosen because of superstition, saying he did not request the change but acknowledged it may have been linked to tradition.
England manager Thomas Tuchel also respected the decision, saying he would have made the same choice if history and superstition were involved.
Post-game, Messi praised his teammates for their resilience and never-say-die attitude, describing the comeback as another example of Argentina’s fighting spirit at the tournament.
The defending champions now head into the World Cup final, with Messi once again at the centre of Argentina’s pursuit of another historic triumph.
