Messi Watch: Two assists, Spain next

Argentina are through to the 2026 World Cup final after beating England 2-1 in Atlanta, scoring twice in the closing minutes after Anthony Gordon had put England ahead in the 55th minute. Enzo Fernandez levelled in the 85th, and Lautaro Martinez completed the comeback with a header in the second minute of stoppage time. 1

Messi did not score, but he shaped the result. The official Inter Miami recap credits him with the assists for both Argentina goals: the pass that set up Fernandez's strike and the cross that found Martinez for the winner. 2

ESPN rated Messi 9/10, describing the 92nd-minute cross as the most decisive of several deliveries he sent into England's defensive block. 3

The official recap also records Messi's 33rd World Cup appearance and says the two assists took his all-time World Cup total to 12, extending his tournament record. 2

Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m. ET at New York New Jersey Stadium. For readers in Asia/Shanghai, that is 03:00 on Monday, July 20. 2

The immediate watch is Messi's recovery and Argentina's plan for Spain. After another knockout match in which he decided the ending as a creator, the final will ask whether he can keep supplying the same volume and precision against the tournament's last opponent.