Midfielder Enzo Fernandez took a leaf out of captain Lionel Messi's book as he celebated his brilliant equaliser in Argentina's 2-1 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final win over England in Atlanta on Wednesday (July 15).

Following a goalless first period, the game sprung to life when Anthony Gordon headed in Morgan Rogers' cross from the right to fire the Three Lions ahead in the 55th mnute.

However, Thomas Tuchel's side failed to build on their advantage and began to defend deeper as the Albiceleste launched wave after wave of attacks. After making a few saves to keep his citadel intact, Jordan Pickford was powerless to stop Fernandez' curling right-footer from distance into the left corner with five minutes remaining.

The Chelsea midfielder - who had scored a stoppage time winner in the come-from-behind 3-2 win over Egypt - celebrated the strike by cupping his hands to his ears, ala Messi, who had set up the equaliser.

Two minutes into stoppage time, Lionel Scaloni's side completed the comeback as Messi's cross from the right was headed in at the far post by substitute Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina head into the New Jersey final on Sunday (July 19) to face European champions Spain, while the Three Lions take on France a day earlier in Miami in the third-place play-off.

Forme England striker Alan Shearer said that Argentina were deserved winners of the second 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against the Three Lions in Atlanta, having trailed by a goal with five minutes left.

With the victory, the Albiceleste extended their perfect record in FIFA World Cup semi-finals to 6-0, with two of the victories (1990 vs Italy, 2014 vs the Netherlands) coming on penalties.

It marked the third time England lost a FIFA World Cup knockout match to Argentina, having also come up short in the 1998 Round of 16 and 1986 quarter-final.

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