Another Argentina Comeback, Another World Cup Title Berth For 'X-Factor' Messi

The 2026 World Cup final is set as Argentina looks to defend its title against Spain. But after four wild comebacks, what was it about Argentina’s seminal performance that sealed its championship spot? Their X-factor, Lionel Messi. 

Although Messi has not scored since Argentina's round-of-16 win over Egypt, he’s still managed to set up some of their game-winning goals that led them to the final, including a pair of assists against England in the semifinals. For FOX Sports’ Stu Holden, he noticed that England’s real shot of winning was gone when Messi continued to play a factor.

"I think I said this in the 60th or 65th minute. I said, ‘Uh oh, look out, England,’ [Messi is] was just camping out on the right side of the field," Holden said on The Herd. "And he’s just waiting for his opportunity to get into this game. There was never even a thought in Messi or Argentina’s mind that that game was done. 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 just in reach, Argentina netted two goals in the 85th minute and stoppage time to seal their win. 

Next to their comeback win over the Three Lions, Argentina’s road to the final saw four consecutive game-winners in stoppage time and extra time, including their 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the round of 32 and their round of 16 comebacks down 2-0, which saw three goals in the final 11 minutes. 

Although England's first goal convinced fans a win was in sight, the script was flipped when its playing style turned defensive. Holden emphasized that coach Thomas Tuchel’s strategy was never going to work, especially against