I’m reminded of the saying in George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” series: “What is dead may never die.” And much like the Ironborn or the White Walkers, there are some things in fútbol that never die.

And that’s Argentina. A team that sacrifices itself and drowns during a match, only to rise again and destroy whatever lies in its sight. 

With Lionel Messi, just like the Night King, leading the destruction.

(Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

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And just like I’ve previously said, Messi and his Argentina companions are relentless in discovering new ways to win. 

Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal victory over England in Atlanta was a testament to this ritual. After the first half, it appeared the Three Lions had victory in their sights. The light was clear and guiding and became even more vivid after Anthony Gordon’s opening goal in the 55th minute, courtesy of a wonderful cross from the super agile Morgan Rogers. 

Argentina, though physically imposing, could not find a way to break down this English wall. Djed Spence was magnificent in his surprise start at left back. John Stones, too, in his substitute shift at center back. Jordan Pickford, ever in his confident smile, denied anything that came towards him in goal. 

As the minutes died down, so did Lionel Scaloni’s smile. The Argentina manager was running out of ideas and staring at a defeat. To be honest, it would have been accepted because, just like Switzerland and Egypt — and emphatically so from the Cape Verde victory — Messi and his teammates were running out of ways to get up. 

But that’s the thing. This Argentina squad somehow, rather, always, finds a way. 

I will be brutally honest: Messi is someone who I admire more than any other player. 

I have covered his career extensively, wrote a book about him and have had the honor and privilege of interviewing him one-on-one. And as a lifelong Aston Villa supporter, Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is also a player who is close to my heart. 

But as a Peruvian, born and raised in England and with English family members, this one truly hurt. So excuse my figurative tears. 

But Messi and Argentina don’t care. And that’s what makes them so impressive. They are World Cup champions, not because they know how to win, but rather because they kill themselves in the quest to do it. They treat the opponent, not as an obstacle, but as a virus. Something that must be eradicated. 

It’s what makes them Argentina. To them, winning is not a desire, it is a hunger. 

I will also say that England also paid the ultimate price after scoring because, instead of fighting fire with fire, it actually invited Argentina to attack. It almost welcomed it. 

(Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images) –>

The substitutions were too defensive and restrictive, and Messi saw this as an opportunity. Not to score, but to utilize his other (perhaps most underrated) weapon … to create. 

His two assists were indicative of his incredible ability to open up play and find angles where no one else can. The first was the easiest as he fed Enzo Fernández, who absolutely smashed the ball past Pickford in the 85th minute. The second? A beautiful cross, once again from the right wing, finding Lautaro Martínez like an arrow to the center target. 

England knew it was done. It allowed the greatest player we have ever witnessed, at 39, to once again destroy it all. 

The final whistle blew, and Argentina once again fell to its knees. Messi was once again lifted by his teammates. 

Argentina had done it again. It reached a second straight World Cup final and now has the chance to become the third team in history to win back-to-back titles (joining ancient rivals Brazil and Italy). 

So now comes a meeting of generational icons where the full circle is fully embraced. Messi, who once at the age of 19 did a promotional photographic shoot for Barcelona holding a baby Lamine Yamal in his arms, will meet this Sunday as Argentina faces Spain. La Finalissima between the champions of Europe and South America will indeed happen. 

It will be a meeting of the past, present and future. But most importantly, it will be a final of steel and grace. For Argentina, it’s a chance at incredible repeated glory. For Spain, a chance for its second title and first since 2010. 

And for all of us, it’s one more chance to witness Messi. Inevitable. Omnipresent. The undisputed king of the realm.

England vs Argentina Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Semifinals

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Following a 2-1 victory over England, defending champions Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final against European champions Spain, setting up a generational matchup between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. 

Although Sunday’s final in New Jersey marks the first time the 39-year-old Argentina veteran and the 19-year-old Spain winger will play against each other, it is not their first actual meeting.

The duo’s history dates back nearly two decades, when a 20-year-old Messi first crossed paths with an infant Yamal during a promotional charity photo shoot in Barcelona.

In late 2007, a charity raffle organized by the Spanish sports newspaper Diario Sport and the United Nations Children’s Fund, known as UNICEF, Yamal’s family earned a spot in a promotional photo shoot with a young Lionel Messi. 

The raffle offered local families in Catalonia the opportunity to participate in a promotional calendar photo shoot with professional football players from FC Barcelona. The family of Lamine Yamal, who was only six months old at the time, won one of the raffle slots.

The resulting photo session took place inside the Camp Nou stadium dressing room. A twenty-year-old Lionel Messi, who was then establishing himself as a key player for Barcelona, was paired with the infant Lamine Yamal. 

The photo shoot included Messi holding Yamal in a blue plastic baby bathtub. At the time of the shoot, the participants had no connection other than the raffle, and the images were archived after publication in the 2008 charity calendar.

A photo from the shoot went viral after it was posted on Instagram by Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, along with the caption: “The beginning of two legends” following the 2024 Euros. 

Almost 20 years after that photo shoot, the baby from the photo and the legend himself are destined to face off on the international stage.

The connection between the two athletes extends beyond their shared history at Barcelona and will now reach the biggest stage in the sport, the World Cup Final.

Spain Dominates France and Advances to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Final

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina might not feature the depth of star power that a France and England final would have, but make no mistake: the quality is there with the two finalists, as the two semifinal losers learned.

That quality starts at the very top with Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, two superstars separated by 20 years, but it doesn’t end there. Here is our combined XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium:

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper

Spain has shown incredible defensive stability throughout this World Cup, and its goalkeeper Unai Simón has played a major role in that, conceding only one goal as Spain’s No. 1.

But despite Simón conceding fewer goals than Emiliano Martínez, Martínez gets the nod because of his pedigree and big-game moments. He has been critical in Argentina winning two Copa Américas and a World Cup, coming up huge in key moments and in multiple penalty shootouts.

Vedict: Emiliano Martínez

Right Back

Pedro Porro has really broken onto the scene at this tournament. He came into the World Cup off a relatively inconsistent season for Tottenham, which had a poor season as a club, but Porro has played incredibly well for Spain.

He has been defensively solid while also being a presence in attack. Because of that, he gets the nod over the more experienced Nahuel Molina.

Verdict: Pedro Porro

Right Center Back

Cristian Romero gets the nod over Pau Cubarsí because of his importance in Argentina’s back line and the way he has come up big in crucial moments.

Romero got on the end of the header that was deflected in by a Cape Verde player for the winner in the Round of 32, and he also played a huge role in Argentina’s run to the final.

Cubarsí has been marvelous in his first major international tournament, but Romero’s experience, edge and know-how get him over the line.

Verdict: Cristian Romero

Left Center Back

Aymeric Laporte has been a pivotal player at the back, anchoring a back line that has conceded only one goal in this tournament. He has provided experience next to the inexperienced Pau Cubarsí, and his ball-playing ability out of the back has been essential for Spain.

His ability to play in a high line while Spain squeezes opponents as a unit has made him a valuable piece. He gets the nod over Lisandro Martínez, who scored an important goal against Cape Verde in extra time earlier in the tournament.

Verdict Aymeric Laporte

Left Back

Marc Cucurella came into this tournament as one of the best left backs in the world and has continued to show it.

With his high energy going up and down the left flank, Cucurella provides defensive stability while also being an important presence in possession. His link-up play with Álex Baena on Spain’s left side has been key to how Spain controls games.

Tagliafico has been solid and brings experience, but Cucurella gets the clear nod.

Verdict: Marc Cucurella

Left Central Midfielder

Rodri has been playing his best football at this World Cup for the first time since tearing his ACL early in the 2024-25 season, following his Ballon d’Or campaign where he won the Premier League with Manchester City and the Euros with Spain.

He has absolutely bossed the midfield, showing his composure, ability to dictate tempo and elite footballing brain.

Paredes was introduced by Lionel Scaloni to provide more control in midfield for Argentina as the tournament unfolded, but Rodri gets the nod as one of the best players in the world.

Verdict: Rodri

Right Central Midfielder

Fabián Ruiz was introduced by Luis de la Fuente as a starter against Belgium in the quarterfinals, and Spain has not looked back. He has provided more dynamism in midfield with his ability to carry the ball forward, while his work rate next to Rodri to close down spaces has been great.

Enzo Fernández just gets the slight nod. He has not been at his absolute best this tournament while playing in a deeper role, but his pedigree and importance to Argentina still give him the very slight edge over Fabián.

Verdict: Enzo Fernández

Attacking Midfielder

Dani Olmo continues to be a pivotal part of this Spain team, occupying the central attacking midfield position.

His intricate play, ability to make late runs and presence around the edge of the box have been critical for Spain. He is not the most natural, silky No. 10, but his unique qualities and overall connectivity with Mikel Oyarzabal make him essential to this side.

Mac Allister is made of the right stuff. He has the capacity to make runs into the box and be a goal threat, he is willing to do the dirty work in midfield, and he can carry the ball forward. But Olmo gets the slight nod.

Verdict: Dani Olmo

Left Winger

Lionel Messi just continues to show why he is the greatest player in the history of football.

He has scored eight goals in this tournament and had two assists in Argentina’s late comeback victory against England, taking over that game just like he took over Argentina’s late comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16.

Messi looks like he is 39 turning on 29.

Baena is unfortunate to be compared to Messi because of the left-sided role. He has had a solid tournament for Spain, providing the ability to keep possession, free roam and pick up different pockets. But Messi gets the clear nod.

Verdict: Lionel Messi

Striker

Mikel Oyarzabal has had a marvelous tournament for Spain, scoring five goals, including the pivotal penalty to take the lead over France in the semifinals.

He has been efficient and ruthless as a finisher while playing as an untraditional No. 9. He may not play like a classic striker, but he has been incredible in that role for Spain.

Julián Álvarez has not had his best tournament compared to his contributions in 2022 for Argentina, but he still scored a magical goal to win the game for Argentina in the quarterfinals against Switzerland late in extra time.

Oyarzabal gets the nod.

Verdict: Mikel Oyarzabal

Right Winger

Because of the imbalance between Spain’s shape and Argentina playing with four midfielders, Rodrigo De Paul gets compared to Lamine Yamal.

Yamal is one of the best young players we have ever seen and just turned 19 a day before Spain’s semifinal victory over France. He came into this World Cup nursing a hamstring injury he suffered near the end of the club season with Barcelona, but he has steadily grown into this tournament.

He has scored only one goal, but his impact goes beyond the stats. His ability to create fear every time he gets on the ball makes him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch.

Yamal gets the nod and will be the second-best player in the World Cup final behind Messi.

Verdict: Lamine Yamal

Final Combined XI For Spain And Argentina

GK: Emiliano Martínez
RB: Pedro Porro
CB: Aymeric Laporte
CB: Cristian Romero
LB: Marc Cucurella
CM: Rodri
CM: Enzo Fernández
CAM: Dani Olmo
LW: Lionel Messi
ST: Mikel Oyarzabal
RW: Lamine Yamal

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England desperately wanted to protect its lead as time was winding down in its World Cup semifinal against Argentina. Coach Thomas Tuchel made lineup and strategy changes to build a wall in front of the goal.

Argentina and Lionel Messi simply kicked it down.

England led 1-0 late in the second half before Messi assisted on goals by Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of stoppage time to give Argentina a wild 2-1 victory Wednesday and a spot in the World Cup final against Spain.

Tuchel’s tactical choices in one of the biggest matchups in one of soccer’s biggest rivalries will likely be scrutinized and criticized for years. England missed its chance to return to the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.

“They won every header. They kept crossing and crossing. So we went to a back five to close the gaps inside and be stronger in the air,” Tuchel said.

“Straight after our goal, with no substitutions, we just conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances. So we tried to help,” Tuchel said. “But of course the responsibility is on the coach. And … if it doesn’t go well, it’s easy to say that it was wrong.”

Tuchel’s chess moves couldn’t contain Messi, the maestro of Argentina’s attacks. In the 38 minutes between England’s goal and Argentina’s winner, Argentina held a whopping 88% of the possession, according to Opta.

It was only the second time this century that a team scored first in a World Cup semifinal and failed to reach the final, according to Opta. The other blown lead was also by England, in 2018 against Croatia.

England took the lead on Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute. But Argentina quickly switched the momentum with furious pressure on England’s defense.

To protect the lead, England drew closer and closer to its own goal, hoping to build the sort of impenetrable wall it had when it held on to beat Mexico in the round of 16 despite being down to 10 players.

Tuchel swapped defender Reece James for Dan Burn, and midfielder Declan Rice for defender Nico O’Reilly in the 82nd minute.

“It’s disappointing to give up the space that we did in those final 20 minutes,” England captain Harry Kane said. “It allowed not just (Messi), but the other players to grow into the game and feel more confident and ping balls into dangerous areas. In the end, it was too much for us to stop.”

Fernandez struck barely three minutes after the England substitutions, scoring on a precise right-footed strike from just outside the penalty area. Messi set up the play with a pass to his teammate, and England defenders failed to close him down before he ripped the shot that curled past diving goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

The defending champion kept coming and England’s wall kept crumbling. Argentina hit the crossbar and missed another header across the mouth of the goal before Martinez sealed it with a close-range header when England defenders lost him on a cross from Messi.

“They got tired,” Martínez said. “They pressed for 60 minutes and then just ran out of steam. They got their goal and then sat back. That gave us more composure to move the ball around and stretch the pitch.”

England’s defense had earned plaudits after previous matches, especially for how it hunkered down during the second half of a 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16, as El Tri peppered their opponent’s back line with cross after cross. But that came as England was down a player due to a 54th-minute red card on Jarell Quansah.

Burn, the 6-foot-7 (2-meter) defender who shined during that stand in Mexico City, said Wednesday’s approach did not work out.

“Off the ball, we defended probably a little bit too deep,” Burn said. “With the quality of chances that Argentina were creating, I felt like it was a matter of time. … To be 10 to 15 minutes away from the World Cup final — we really probably should have seen that through.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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ATLANTA STADIUM — Just when it looked as though the end of the road had arrived for the GOAT on the biggest stage in sports, Lionel Messi and Argentina made magic.

The Albiceleste came back to win a World Cup semifinal for the ages, 2-1, over England on late goals by Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England earlier in the second half off a perfect cross from Morgan Rogers — a goal that kept the Three Lions in front until there were just five minutes of regular time remaining.

But Fernández — who plays his club soccer for Premier League side Chelsea — scored a brilliant long-range equalizer off a pass from Messi. Fernández then sealed another famous win for Argentina over its transatlantic rival in stoppage time.

“We were ready to go home, sad, knowing that we had left everything on the pitch,” a relieved Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said in his press conference after the match. “After they scored, we really proved ourselves. It shows what football is to us, which is something that goes beyond tactics.”

It was a fitting end to an instant classic. The atmosphere was off the charts in Georgia’s capital, with two of the most fervent supporters in sports taking over the city in the lead-up to the match. But while the packed crowd of almost 70,000 leaned decisively Argentine — Albiceleste fans completely drowned out “God Save the King” before kickoff – the English seemed destined early to finally return to the World Cup final for the first time since they won their only major trophy way back in 1966.

Argentina will now take on Spain in Sunday’s title match at New York New Jersey Stadium, while England will head to a consolation match on Saturday against France in Miami.

Here are four takeaways from Wednesday’s unforgettable encounter.

1. Argentina — and Messi — Will Play For History  

In addition to the world title they won four years ago in Qatar, Scaloni’s team also won the Copa América as South American champions in 2021 and 2024, joining Spain’s 2008-2012 squad as the only nation to win the World Cup and a pair of continental titles on either side.

Now the Albiceleste will go for an unprecedented fourth straight major tournament title.

Just getting the chance is an unbelievable achievement for a team that, despite its recent record, was not considered one of the favorites to win this World Cup.

And maybe they won’t. Still, who would bet against this team? A day before the match, Scaloni said the following: “We have a culture where we never write off a match as lost.”

Before Wednesday’s epic, Argentina came back from near death a couple of times during the knockout stage. On this day, they stared the Grim Reaper in the face and laughed. While Spain might be the better team on paper, that piece of paper will mean nothing when the World Cup final kicks off.

2.  Heartbreak For England Again

For England, a 60-year World Cup drought will continue for at least another four years.

Getting to Sunday’s title match at New York New Jersey Stadium would have cleared a major hurdle on the way to breaking that streak. As Tuchel said on Tuesday, they’ve been knocking on the door for the last eight years. 

This was the Three Lions’ second World Cup semifinal appearance in three tournaments; they also lost the final of the European Championship in 2020 (which was played in 2021 because of the global coronavirus pandemic) and 2024.

Tuchel signed a contract extension before this World Cup. England will be one of the contenders for Euro 2028. Still, captain Harry Kane will be 34 then, with no obvious replacement coming up behind him. It’s hard to imagine Jude Bellingham being better than he was over the last few games, though both superstars were quiet against Argentina.

The point is, there is no guarantee that this sort of opportunity will come around again in the next few years. Just ask anyone who is old enough to remember that glorious summer in London 60 years ago this month. This was a chance squandered — one England’s players and fans will be thinking about for a long time to come. “We were very, very close today,” a visibly devastated Tuchel said after Wednesday’s loss. 

Said Kane: “We just need to find that missing piece in the final stage of the tournament.”

3. Argentina’s Understudies Steal The Show

In a match stocked with superstars, it was Messi’s supporting cast that came to his rescue on Wednesday. For the second time in three matches, defensive-minded midfielder Fernández scored a hugely important goal to help keep Argentina in the World Cup.

Martínez, the captain of Inter Milan and for years now the best player in all of Italy’s Serie A, would start for just about any other country. Yet he played the hero off the bench again, as he did by sealing the Albiceleste’s quarterfinal win over Switzerland last Saturday, just as he scored the game-winner over Colombia in the 2024 Copa final.

“This experience is just incredible,” Martínez said post-game in the bowels of the stadium. “The work, the sacrifices, everything come came to fruition.” 

Not even the greatest player ever wins alone. Though Messi might be the straw that stirs the drink and the inspiration for the rest of his teammates, he’ll need help to hoist another World Cup on Sunday. Win or lose, that help will be there.

4. A Fitting Final For The Greatest World Cup Ever

Both Argentina and England entered Wednesday’s contest knowing what was in store should they prevail, with Spain having defeated France in Dallas a day earlier to advance to the decisive match of the biggest sporting event on the planet. Now we all know.

It’s a fitting end to what will go down as the greatest World Cup of all time. Spain is the reigning European champion, having beaten this same English squad two summers ago in the Euro 2024 final. Argentina has claimed the last two Copa América titles as South America champions. Oh, and they also happen to be the World Cup holders.

As we saw with their ferocious showing against the English in Atlanta, the Albiceleste will not relinquish their hard-earned crown without a knock-down, drag-out fight — even against a team that is considered the stronger one by the sports books. Lionel Messi & Co. are trying to become the first repeat World Cup champion since Brazil, led by Pele, repeated all the way back in 1962.

Spain has everything to play for, too. For all their pedigree, La Roja has won just one World Cup, in 2010. The pre-tournament favorites are determined to add to that tally with the help of a player many consider as Messi’s most obvious successor: 19-year-old fellow Barcelona academy product Lamine Yamal.

“It’s going to be a very special match,” Martínez said. “This is a place where dreams can come true.”

England vs Argentina Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Semifinals

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At the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi and Argentina have owned the final minutes in the knockout rounds.

Wednesday’s rally past England in the World Cup semifinals — Argentina trailed 1-0 late before winning 2-1 — only added another entry on the long list of late-game dramatics by the defending champions, who will now play Spain in Sunday’s final.

Among them: A pair of rallies from late-game deficits in the knockout stage, coming back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt and then 1-0 down to beat England.

A breakdown of Argentina saving its best for last in this World Cup:

June 22: Messi Seals Group Stage Win Over Austria

— Minute: 90+5

— Final: Argentina 2, Austria 0

In the second match of the group stage, the outcome wasn’t necessarily in doubt. Argentina led 1-0 in second-half stoppage time, when Lionel Messi got his own rebound and threaded a blast between three defenders for an insurance goal that sealed the victory.

June 27: Messi Scores Late Once Again

— Minute: 80th

— Final: Argentina 3, Jordan 1

Argentina led 2-1 in the group finale, and Lionel Messi — who had just entered the game as a sub — had a free kick from about 25 yards out. He saw a gap in the wall of Jordan defenders, sending a low shot that skipped once and went into the back of the net for the clincher.

July 3: Messi Sets Up Cape Verde Own Goal

— Minute: 92nd, then 111th

— Final: Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2

The first match of the knockout stage was wild, with Argentina getting two extra-time goals and needing both to hold off the Cinderella story that was Cape Verde. Lisandro Martínez scored in the 92nd minute for a 2-1 lead, and Messi served up a perfect ball off a corner kick that became an own goal in the 111th minute — the one that gave Argentina a 3-2 win.

July 7: Three-Goal Rally vs. Egypt

— Minute: 79th, 83rd, then 90+2

— Final: Argentina 3, Egypt 2

The champions looked done in the round of 16, with Egypt up 2-0 with 11 minutes left before second-half stoppage time. And then the comeback of the tournament happened, with Cristian Romero scoring in the 79th minute, Messi connecting four minutes later and Enzo Fernández getting the game-winner two minutes into stoppage time.

July 11: A Pair Of Late Goals Against Switzerland

— Minute: 112th, then 120+1

— Final: Argentina 3, Switzerland 1

Switzerland was down to 10 men, but sent its quarterfinal with Argentina to extra time anyway. And eventually, Argentina got the breakthrough: Julian Alvarez scored the go-ahead goal in the 112th minute, then Lautaro Martinez scored in the final moments as the champions moved into the semifinals with a 3-1 victory.

July 15: Messi Leads Argentina To World Cup Final With Two Assists

— Minute: 85th, then 90+2

— Final: Argentina 2, England 1

Enzo Fernández scored in the 85th minute, Lautaro Martinez scored two minutes into stoppage time and Messi assisted on both goals as Argentina rallied from a 1-0 deficit to beat England 2-1 and move into the World Cup final. Those goals gave Argentina a staggering 11 tallies in the 79th minute of play or later in this tournament.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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If you thought Lionel Messi’s reign was over, think again. Argentina’s international hero came through again in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, delivering two clutch assists in La Albiceleste’s 2-1 comeback win over the Three Lions on Wednesday.

Argentina’s chances of advancing to back-to-back World Cup finals looked slim as it entered the 84th minute down 1-0. But if Argentina has shown anything in this tournament, it’s that it can always find a way as long as there’s time on the clock.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández finally broke the deadlock in the 85th minute, burying a clutch goal into the top-left corner of the net.

Enzo Fernández Scores Stunning Goal to Bring Argentina Level Against England | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Seven minutes later, in the second minute of stoppage time, striker Lautaro Martinez completed the comeback with a powerful header to give Argentina the 2-1 lead.

Lautaro Martínez nets go-ahead goal in stoppage time against England | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Both of these goals were assisted by Messi, Argentina’s beloved GOAT.

The result sent the sports world into a frenzy, with everyone from NFL legend Tom Brady to NBA champion Jalen Brunson sharing their feeling of shock and awe. Here were the best reactions on X from the match:

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Harry Kane is still processing that England blew the World Cup semifinal against Argentina.

With the stunning nature of the 2-1 defeat, it’ll be some time before the 32-year-old captain decides his future for the national team. However, the man who took him down on Wednesday offers some hope that the 2026 World Cup won’t be Kane’s last.

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi’s ability to play at such a high level and keep Argentina’s World Cup title defense alive into the 2026 World Cup final is inspiring to Kane.

“As you see on the other end with Leo there, he’s still performing at the highest level. So I never want to put a limit on these things,” Kane said. “It’s too early to talk about that. Again, me as a person, it’s about taking it year by year.”

(Photo by Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Kane was instrumental in getting England back to the World Cup semifinal. He scored six goals and recorded one assist.

Despite playing striker, he dropped back, contributing to the build-up play numerous times. Kane did so again on Wednesday to help England score first on Anthony Gordon’s 55th minute goal.

England’s Anthony Gordon scores goal to take lead vs Argentina | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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But after dominating the group stage and scoring in knockout round games against DR Congo and Mexico, Kane failed to score in England’s quarterfinal match against Norway and semifinal match against Argentina. 

That could leave a bad taste in his mouth and motivate him to return for the 2030 World Cup, seeking to change the narrative, and finish his national team career on a better note.”

Playing for England, Kane said, is “my pride and joy.” It’s what he “loves to do more than anything.”

That love for England could drive him to come back for a fourth World Cup tournament in 2030, but confirmation of that reality may not come for a while. 

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Argentina and Spain are set to meet in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, where Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will square off in a star-studded matchup that bridges soccer’s past, present and future.

FOX Sports soccer analysts Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović reacted to Argentina’s comeback win over England on Wednesday. 

For Henry, Sunday’s final is about more than just Spain and Argentina. It’s a clash between one of the best the game has ever seen against one of the brightest young stars in the sport today.

“For me, what else do you want? European champion versus South American champion and world champion,” Henry said. “Lamine Yamal versus Lionel Messi. The future and this guy [Messi] is the past, present and the future and forever. I’m excited to see that.”

Lionel Messi has the chance to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles, while the 19-year-old Yamal can bring Spain its first championship since 2010 and further cement himself as one of soccer’s brightest young stars in what feels like a passing-of-the-torch showdown.

The debate quickly shifted to an even bigger question: Who will win the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain?

Henry declined to make a prediction, saying Messi’s history with Argentina and his legendary career at Barcelona made it too difficult to pick a side.

“I actually didn’t finish one,” Thierry said. “It’s because of what Leo [Lionel Messi] represents in Spain. He played all his career there and the fear that they might be facing someone stronger than any other human being because of what they’ve seen so many times in their country.”

Ibrahimović shared Henry’s view but believes Spain has the tools to handle Argentina because its style of play matches up well against the defending champions.

“Spain handled France very good. … I believe they can handle Argentina,” Ibrahimović said. “They’re going to play their possession. Argentina is not a counterattack team like the way they played today. They were attacking, but I believe Spain is going to do their thing.”

Ibrahimović believes Spain’s path to its first World Cup title in nearly two decades will come down to patience. If they can remain composed and control the tempo, he believes Spain has what it takes to dominate Argentina and come away with the win.

“You’re going to challenge on the sides with Yamal and I believe Argentina if they don’t have patience, they’re going to hunt the ball and lose patience,” Ibrahimović said. “I believe Spain is going to dominate that game.”

As he continued to break down the matchup, Henry pointed to Spain’s dominance in possession as one of its biggest strengths.

“Now you have these two competing cultures clashing in this final,” Henry said. “What we saw yesterday from Spain, in terms of the possession, I don’t think that’s necessarily going to change against a team like Argentina. Here tonight [against England], they showed up.”

Argentina once again found a way, scoring twice in the closing minutes to complete another comeback victory over England. The question now is whether Messi and Argentina have enough left in the tank to take down a well-rounded Spain side.

“Is this the night where they took that last scoop? I don’t know,” Henry said. “Are you going to bet against them with a guy like Messi and with what this team is? There always seems to be a little bit of water in this Argentinian well and it served them well.”

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Expanded playoffs make it harder to predict whether Tarik Skubal and other choice acquisitions will be dealt before the Aug, 3 trade deadline.

Twenty-three of the 30 teams are within four games of a playoff position heading into the season’s second half, which opens Thursday with the back-in-contention Philadelphia Phillies hosting the woeful New York Mets.

“You’ve got a lot of really good teams that were on the bubble that have gotten in and kind of made it,” Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper said. “Anybody that has an opportunity to get in, anything can happen and that’s what makes our sport great.”

Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who can become a free agent after the World Series, is the most prominent possible trade bait. The 29-year-old left-hander is 2-3 with a 3.62 ERA in six starts for the Detroit Tigers since surgery on May 6 to remove a loose body from his pitching elbow.

He returned to a big league mound on June 13 after Dr. Neal ElAttrache operated with a NanoNeedle scope 2.0, a miniaturized, flexible version of the traditional arthroscope.

Detroit was 22-38 at the start of June — at 16 games under matching the 1914 Braves (12-28) as the most under .500 of a team that rebounded to reach the postseason, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Tigers are 22-14 since and trail by 3 1/2 games for the last AL wild card, needing to overcome six teams. Their performance in 16 games before the deadline will help determine whether they are buyers or sellers.

Minnesota’s Joe Ryan and the Mets’ Freddy Peralta also could become available. The Mets also could deal left-handed relievers Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter to contenders and San Francisco may try to jettison second baseman Luis Arraez.

Baseball’s only division leads of more than three games are held by the Los Angeles Dodgers (11 1/2) and Milwaukee (five).

“There are some middling teams that are potentially going to finish stronger and some teams that are front-running right now that might fall back to the pack,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s what the fans wanted. It keeps everyone involved through September, as many teams as possible.”

Just seven teams of the 30 teams are more than four games out of a wild-card berth: the Athletics (6 1/2), Cincinnati (eight), Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels (10 each), the Giants (10 1/2), the Mets (12) and Colorado (13 1/2).

“I think having more teams involved and more fan bases feeling like there’s something to play for later in the season is always good,” said Toronto pitcher Dylan Cease, the All-Star Game winner.

Phillies Rebound After Mattingly Becomes Manager

Philadelphia fell to 9-19 when Rob Thomson was fired on April 28 and replaced by Don Mattingly. The Phillies are 44-24 since and trail NL East-leading Atlanta (55-40) by two games.

Harper thinks a key to the turnaround was when Zack Wheeler rejoined the rotation on April 25 after surgery last August for thoracic outlet syndrome. Wheeler is 10-1 with a 2.13 ERA.

“Once we got Wheels back, I think everybody kind of took a deep breath,” Harper said. “That helped a lot of our other starting pitching kind of just fall into place.”

Red Sox Hottest Team Going Into Second Half

Boston fired Alex Cora after a 10-17 start and the Red Sox are 36-31 under Chad Tracy, ending the first half with their first 9-0 road trip since 1977.

Despite a 46-48 record, the Red Sox trail by just a half-game for the last wild card in an AL that has just five teams with winning records.

“We’ve done a much better job overall with our approach,” Tracy said. “We’re taking more pitches. We’re seeing more pitches against starters. We are getting starters deep in counts earlier in games. We’re scoring runs in the first five innings of the game and letting our starting rotation pitch with a lead.”

If the Red Sox struggle in the next few weeks, closer Aroldis Chapman and starter Sonny Gray could get dealt.

First-Round Byes At Stake

Three of the four teams that had first-round byes last year advanced to League Championship Series: Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Seattle and Toronto. Among the teams emerging from Wild Card Series, only the Dodgers won their Division Series.

Having the bye allows teams to reset their rotations and assure opening the Division Series with their best starters.

Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler thought back to New York losing the AL East title and the bye to Toronto on a tiebreaker last year.

“Every game matters,” he said.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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