Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Football : Resignation letter from national team coach Sébastien Migné

    Football : Resignation letter from national team coach Sébastien Migné

    Less than 24 hours after mutually terminating his contract and stepping down as head coach of the Haitian men’s national football team, French manager Sébastien Migné has been officially appointed to lead Gabon’s senior national side, the Panthers, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) confirmed Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

    The 54-year-old’s departure from Haiti was announced in a heartfelt public resignation letter released the same day of his Gabonese appointment, marking an end to his two-year tenure at the helm of Les Grenadiers that ended in a historic milestone for Haitian football.

    “It is with great emotion, but also immense pride, that I announce today the end of my mission as head coach of the Haitian national team,” Migné wrote in his statement. Since taking the role in 2024, Migné led the side through a groundbreaking campaign that secured Haiti’s first qualification for a men’s FIFA World Cup in modern history, a feat he called permanently etched into Haitian football history.

    What makes the qualification even more remarkable is the extraordinary context in which it was achieved. Due to ongoing instability in Haiti, the entire qualifying campaign was played away from the Caribbean nation, with the team denied the chance to host matches in front of home fans. Despite the enormous disadvantage of competing as perma-visitors across every round of qualification, Migné’s squad leaned into remarkable resilience and collective selflessness to fight their way to the 2026 World Cup, putting Haiti back on the global football map in the process.

    “This is no small feat. It’s a victory that transcends the pitch, restoring to an entire nation a pride and visibility it has long deserved,” Migné added.

    In his resignation statement, the outgoing manager extended gratitude to every group that contributed to the historic run. He thanked his players for their unwavering commitment, courage, and dedicated effort to representing the Haitian jersey, noting that every performance reflected the will of the Haitian people. He also praised the work of the technical and medical support staff, whose behind-the-scenes professionalism and daily dedication made the achievement possible, thanked the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) for entrusting him with the role, and recognized the enduring passion of Haitian fans both inside the country and across the global diaspora, whose support served as a constant source of motivation for the squad.

    Migné said he was leaving the role with a clear sense of fulfilled duty and deep gratitude for the work the group built together, adding that he wished the Haitian national team and all of Haitian football continued success in all future challenges.

    Within 24 hours of Migné receiving his formal release letter from the FHF, FEGAFOOT finalized his hiring to replace former head coach Thierry Mouyouma, who was dismissed more than six months ago. The Gabonese role has remained vacant since the national team was suspended by the Gabonese government and its entire coaching staff was dissolved following the side’s first-round elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.

    Migné brings extensive experience managing across African football to his new role, with prior senior coaching stints with the national teams of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea, giving him deep familiarity with the landscape of African international football.

  • Taylor stars as West Indies Women sweep Ireland 3-0

    Taylor stars as West Indies Women sweep Ireland 3-0

    On a crisp Wednesday at Bready Cricket Club, the West Indies Women’s national team delivered a dominant closing performance to seal a clean 3-0 ODI series sweep against Ireland, anchored by a Player of the Match-winning century from veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor. Taylor’s knock marked only the second time a West Indies women’s batter has recorded consecutive centuries in international one-day cricket, a feat that captain Hayley Matthews achieved just days earlier in the series’ opening two matches.

    The day began with West Indies batting first, and the side got off to a disastrous early start when Matthews, the series’ standout performer, was dismissed for just six runs in the third over. The top order continued to struggle through the opening 19 overs, and by the time Deandra Dottin was out for 21, West Indies had slumped to a precarious 82 for five wickets. It was Taylor who stepped in to steady the innings, playing a fluent, controlled knock while her batting partners struggled to build momentum at the other end.

    As the innings neared its close, Taylor found critical lower-order support to push the team’s total to a competitive mark. Jahzara Claxton contributed a steady 30 runs off 43 deliveries, while Aaliyah Alleyne smashed a quickfire 33 runs from just 30 balls, including six boundaries. Entering the final over of West Indies’ innings on 90, Taylor turned on the power: she hammered back-to-back boundaries off Irish bowler Georgina Dempsey, then scrambled two runs off the third delivery to reach her third ODI century. Tragically for Taylor, she was run out on the final ball of the innings, finishing with 105 runs off 113 balls, decorated with 10 fours.

    Ireland’s bowling attack put in a solid collective effort to restrict West Indies: Orla Prendergast finished with 2 wickets for 37 runs, Jane Maguire claimed 2 for 44, and Dempsey ended with 2 for 61. West Indies’ final total of 257 set Ireland a target of 258 for victory.

    The Irish side got off to a promising start in their chase, reaching 81 for one wicket after just 18 overs. But a collapse triggered by West Indies’ spin attack turned the game on its head. Spinners Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher each took three wickets for just 33 runs apiece, while Matthews added two wickets for 37 runs. Ireland collapsed all the way to 193 all out in 44 overs, losing their final four wickets for only 35 runs, securing a 64-run win for West Indies. For the hosts, Gaby Lewis top-scored with 50 runs, Leah Paul contributed 32, and Amy Hunter added 30 in a losing cause.

    Matthews capped off a historic individual series, ending with a total of 265 runs with the bat and seven wickets with the ball, earning her the Player of the Series award to go alongside West Indies’ series sweep.

  • Argentina shocks England 2-1 to advance to the World Cup final against Spain

    Argentina shocks England 2-1 to advance to the World Cup final against Spain

    In a semifinal clash that will go down in World Cup folklore, Argentina pulled off one of the most dramatic late turnarounds in modern tournament history, scoring two goals in the final seven minutes to topple England 2-1 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

    The game got off to a bruising, cagey start, with both sides prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking flair in the opening 45 minutes. The two heavyweights combined for 19 fouls in a physical first half that ended goalless, with neither managing to force a single save from either goalkeeper.

    The deadlock finally broke in the 54th minute, when winger Anthony Gordon tucked home a clinical finish from Morgan Rogers’ precision cross, putting England ahead and putting defending champions Argentina on the brink of elimination. For the next 30 minutes, England clung to their lead, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford turning in a man-of-the-match performance between the sticks, making a string of spectacular saves to shut down a wave of Argentine attacks. For England, it looked like the nation’s 60-year wait for a return to the World Cup final was finally coming to an end, the first since their iconic 1966 home triumph.

    But Argentina’s never-say-die attitude turned the tide late. The equalizer arrived in the 85th minute, when captain Lionel Messi teed up midfield star Enzo Fernández just outside the 18-yard box. Fernández curled a spectacular long-range strike past the outstretched gloves of Pickford, leveling the score and forcing a stunned England side into panic mode.

    As the clock ticked into second-half stoppage time and extra time loomed on the horizon, Messi once again orchestrated the decisive play. The Argentine captain sent a pinpoint cross to the back post in the 92nd minute, where substitute Lautaro Martínez rose above his marker to nod home the match-winning header, completing the incredible comeback.

    With the historic semifinal victory, Argentina advances to the July 19 final at East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where they will face Spain. The South American side is now just one win away from making history: a victory would see them become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962. For England, however, the result is yet another devastating semifinal heartbreak, extending the nation’s agonizing wait for a second World Cup crown, a drought that has stretched all the way back to their 1966 victory.

  • Derde helft Wk 2026: Argentinië verslaat Engeland en speelt WK-finale tegen Spanje

    Derde helft Wk 2026: Argentinië verslaat Engeland en speelt WK-finale tegen Spanje

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final clash between Argentina and England delivered a rollercoaster of drama at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, as the defending champions pulled off a stunning late turnaround to secure a 2-1 victory and book their spot in the tournament’s final. For nearly 85 minutes, England looked on course to reach the title decider, but two goals in the closing stages from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez flipped the script, sending Argentina through to face Spain in Sunday’s championship match.

    From the first whistle, both global football powerhouses approached the high-stakes encounter with extreme caution, unwilling to cede any ground to their opponents. The opening 45 minutes unfolded as a tightly contested tactical battle, where defensive discipline and organized team shape dominated play. Both backlines held firm under pressure, clearing nearly every dangerous chance that came their way, and the two sides went into the half-time break locked at 0-0, leaving all to play for in the second half.

    The complexion of the game shifted dramatically after the interval, as England emerged from the dressing room with renewed attacking intensity and quickly reaped the rewards. In the 55th minute, Morgan Rogers threaded a clever, incisive pass through Argentina’s defense to put Anthony Gordon clear one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Gordon kept his composure under immense pressure, slotting the ball home to put England 1-0 up, sending the pro-English crowd into celebration and sparking hopes of a first World Cup final appearance for the nation in recent years.

    But defending champions Argentina refused to accept defeat, led by their iconic captain Lionel Messi, who ramped up the pressure on England’s defense minute by minute. Argentina dominated possession deep in English territory, and chances began to pile up as Gareth Southgate’s side was forced into a deep, defensive block, barely able to launch meaningful counterattacks to relieve the pressure.

    The equalizer finally arrived with five minutes left on the clock, and it was Messi who created the opening. The 39-year-old found a gap between England’s defensive lines, playing a perfectly weighted pass to Fernández, who hit a clinical finish beyond England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to level the score. Most spectators expected the match would go to extra time, but Martínez had other plans deep into stoppage time. Once again, Messi was the orchestrator, delivering a pin-perfect cross into the penalty area that Martínez converted with a flawless first-time finish.

    The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among Argentina’s players and fans, while England’s squad were left devastated after coming so close to a final spot. Two late goals turned a certain elimination into a dream ticket to the World Cup final in the space of just seven minutes.

    For Argentina, the victory sets up a chance to defend their world title on Sunday, against a Spanish side that earned their final spot with a 2-0 semi-final win over France on Tuesday. The final will be a clash between two of the most technically gifted football nations on the planet, a matchup that many football fans had dreamed of before the tournament began.

    Messi, who produced a match-winning performance with two assists, is now on the cusp of making history. A victory on Sunday would see him claim a second consecutive World Cup title, capping off an already legendary international career in fairy-tale fashion. Spain, for their part, will be fully focused on ending a 16-year wait for a second World Cup crown, and will leave everything on the pitch to claim the sport’s biggest prize.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Commonwealth Games Association Announces 12-Member Team for Glasgow 2026

    Antigua and Barbuda Commonwealth Games Association Announces 12-Member Team for Glasgow 2026

    The Antigua and Barbuda Commonwealth Games Association has officially unveiled its finalized 12-athlete delegation set to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport event scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2 next year in Glasgow, Scotland. This iteration of the Games will feature a condensed program of 10 total sports, with Antigua and Barbuda securing representation across four core athletic disciplines.

    Leading the delegation as Chef de Mission is Karen Joseph, with Eric Henry serving as team assistance and welfare officer. Boxer Alston Ryan has been selected to carry the nation’s flag as flag bearer, while rising swimming star Aunjulique Liddie will act as the nation’s baton carrier. Senior leadership of the association, including President Hon. E. P. Chet Greene and General Secretary Cliff Williams, are both confirmed to attend the event to support the team. The full delegation will be on-site in Glasgow for the duration of the Games, from July 22 through August 2, with individual athletes arriving ahead of their scheduled competition start dates to acclimate to the venue and conditions.

    Breaking down the squad by discipline, track and field leads with five athletes under the management of Kesswin Anthony. Sprinters Soniya Jones, Geolyna Dowdye, and Dwayne Fleming are set to contest both the 100m and 200m races, while experienced sprinter Cejhae Greene will focus his efforts on the 100m event. Rounding out the athletics contingent is Christopher Johnson, who will compete in the men’s shot put.

    The boxing team, managed by Ralston Ryan, fields two competitors: Alston Ryan in the 63.5kg weight class and Zalaan Jan in the 80kg division. Swimming is the second-largest discipline with four athletes, managed by Wayne Mitchell. Jadon Wuilliez will compete in the 50m and 100m breaststroke alongside the 50m freestyle, while Ethan Stubbs-Green has qualified for five events: the 100m and 200m butterfly, 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle. Aunjulique Liddie will race the 50m and 100m freestyle as well as the 50m and 100m butterfly, and Bianca Mitchell completes the swimming squad with entries in the 50m and 100m freestyle. The final discipline, track cycling, is represented by Atiba Quildan, managed by St. Clair Williams, who will compete in the 1000m time trial, sprint, and keirin events.

    In an official statement following the announcement of the squad, General Secretary Cliff Williams extended congratulations to all selected athletes and supporting officials. “This talented and dedicated group will proudly wear Antigua and Barbuda’s colours in Glasgow,” he said. “We wish them every success and look forward to strong performances on the international stage.” The association also publicly thanked all athletes, coaching staff, support personnel, and organizational partners for their hard work and commitment in the months leading up to the Games. Additional updates regarding team preparation progress, travel departure details, and adjusted event schedules will be released to the public in the coming weeks.

  • Messi’s ‘Lucky’ Referee to Take Charge of England vs Argentina Semi-Final

    Messi’s ‘Lucky’ Referee to Take Charge of England vs Argentina Semi-Final

    As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final knockout stage, the announcement of Ismail Elfath, an American match official, as the head referee for the highly anticipated semi-final clash between England and defending champion Argentina has ignited widespread discussion across social media and fan communities.

    The confirmation of Elfath’s appointment came on Tuesday, just one day ahead of Wednesday’s winner-takes-all showdown, where England will fight to secure their first spot in the World Cup final since their historic 1966 victory, while Argentina looks to book back-to-back final appearances to defend their 2022 title.

    What has drawn the most attention and stirred controversy is the long-running unique connection between Elfath and Argentine captain Lionel Messi: the global football icon holds an unblemished win record in every match Elfath has officiated since Messi joined Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in 2023. Across four MLS and Leagues Cup matches featuring Messi, the Argentine star lifted the trophy in every encounter, including the 2023 Leagues Cup final, where Messi’s match-winning performance guided Inter Miami to a penalty shootout victory over Nashville SC. Beyond club fixtures, Elfath also served as the fourth official for the 2022 Qatar World Cup final, where Argentina claimed their third world title against France – a detail that has further fuelled fan speculation.

    Some fans have taken to online platforms to question whether the appointment means Argentina will receive favourable officiating in the high-stakes semi-final, suggesting the four-time win streak with Elfath in charge is more than coincidental and hinting at potential unbalanced treatment throughout the 2026 tournament. FIFA has quickly pushed back against these claims, issuing a formal denial of any bias or external interference in the referee selection process.

    Elfath, who was born in Morocco and represents the United States Soccer Federation on the international stage, has already officiated three group-stage and knockout round matches during this 2026 World Cup: Japan’s draw against the Netherlands, Spain’s win over Uruguay, and Norway’s victory against Brazil. The match official is widely known for his strict enforcement of the laws of the game, having handed out numerous yellow cards and multiple red cards through the tournament so far. This is not the first time his work has drawn controversy, either: after Spain’s win over Uruguay, Spanish sports media openly criticized Elfath’s in-match decision-making.

    For the upcoming semi-final, Elfath will be supported by two American assistant referees, Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy’s Maurizio Mariani will take on the role of fourth official. As both sides complete their final preparations ahead of kickoff, the debate over the referee appointment has only added an extra layer of intrigue to one of the most highly anticipated World Cup semi-finals in recent memory.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Spanje wacht op winnaar Engeland-Argentinië

    Derde helft WK 2026: Spanje wacht op winnaar Engeland-Argentinië

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its decisive closing stage, with La Roja of Spain already booking their place in the tournament final, while England and Argentina prepare to face off for the second remaining spot in the championship match. The second semi-final showdown will kick off on Wednesday, 15 July at 16:00 local time at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The winner will advance to the World Cup final on Sunday, 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to face Spain, while the defeated side will compete in the third-place play-off against France on 18 July at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

    Spain secured their place in the final with a dominant 2-0 semi-final victory over defending contenders France in Dallas, marking the first time the Spanish side has reached the World Cup final since their 2010 tournament win in South Africa. The result was defined by Spain’s elite defensive organization, which notched their sixth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament, holding off a high-powered French attack led by captain Kylian Mbappé, one of the tournament’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

    The turning point of the match came in the 22nd minute, when 19-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal forced a foul in the penalty box from French defender Lucas Digne, earning a penalty for La Roja. Veteran winger Mikel Oyarzabal coolly converted the spot kick to put Spain ahead, notching his fifth goal of the tournament. Pedro Porro extended Spain’s lead to 2-0 in the 58th minute, cementing La Roja’s control of the tie and closing out any route back for France.

    Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday just one day before the semi-final, has turned heads across the globe with his mature performances in his first World Cup appearance. While the Barcelona winger has only scored one goal throughout Spain’s run to the final, his impact extends far beyond the score sheet: his sharp off-ball movement, dynamic dribbling, and consistent ability to create high-danger chances have been central to La Roja’s tournament success. Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente highlighted Yamal’s poise after the win, noting the young star’s exceptional understanding of the team’s game plan at such a young age.

    For France, the defeat brings an end to their bid to become the first men’s national team to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Les Bleus entered the semi-final undefeated through six matches, having scored 16 goals across the tournament, but they were unable to break through Spain’s well-organized midfield and defensive block to create clear scoring chances. After the match, Mbappé acknowledged his side fell short both tactically and technically, ceding too much control of possession and tempo to Spain. He specifically highlighted the dominance of Spanish midfielders Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, who controlled the pace of the match and retained comfortable possession of the ball through the 90 minutes. Communication lapses in defense and an inability to sustain consistent high pressing left France unable to disrupt Spain’s signature passing game, which repeatedly cut through Les Bleus’ pressure and quickly reclaimed possession after turnovers.

    Wednesday’s semi-final clash between England and Argentina is set to reignite one of the most historic rivalries in men’s international football, with both sides entering the tie in elite form and boasting some of the tournament’s top offensive talent. England captain Harry Kane and midfield star Jude Bellingham have both notched six goals apiece at this World Cup, marking the first time in men’s World Cup history that two players from the same nation have reached the six-goal mark in a single tournament. Argentina, led by eight-time goal scorer Lionel Messi, enters the match as the highest-scoring team of the tournament with 17 total goals – just one goal short of tying the all-time record for most goals scored by a single team in a single World Cup.

    Ahead of the tournament’s closing, FIFA has announced the full lineup for the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to take place 90 minutes before the final kickoff at MetLife Stadium. The star-studded event will feature performances from global celebrities including actor Tom Cruise, content creator IShowSpeed, and singers Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams. The ceremony will cap off a historic month of football that saw 48 national teams compete across 16 host cities spread across three North American nations.

  • Sammy urges media to highlight West Indies’ cricket legacy

    Sammy urges media to highlight West Indies’ cricket legacy

    Appearing on a recent episode of the popular Wisden Cricket YouTube podcast, West Indies men’s cricket head coach Daren Sammy has made a impassioned appeal to both regional and global cricket media to shine a brighter spotlight on the indelible mark the Men in Maroon have left on the growth and evolution of international cricket. As the leader of West Indies cricket across all three formats of the game, Sammy frames cricket as far more than a sport for Caribbean communities: it is a living thread that ties the diverse region to its shared cultural and collective history.

    In his conversation with the podcast, Sammy emphasized that honoring the legendary cricketers who first put Caribbean cricket on the global map is critical to sustaining the sport’s legacy in the region. “I think what I would love is for a greater appreciation for what we’ve done and our contribution to the game. I don’t think it is appreciated enough in the world,” Sammy explained. To address this gap, he argued that more educational content and public exposure to the team’s historic triumphs is needed, noting that many current young players have not had the opportunity to engage with the full magnitude of West Indies cricket’s greatness.

    Sammy has publicly challenged Caribbean media to produce more in-depth storytelling highlighting the team’s historic achievements, arguing that accessible narratives will inspire the next generation of Caribbean cricketers, much like structured education prepares young people for future success. “It is in their [media’s] faces to create that type of inspiration. And that is something I’ve always spoken about in the dressing room: understanding what playing for West Indies, what it truly means. Your history, your legacy, where you come from, so you get a better picture of where you have to go. But, I must say, the guys are fighting,” he added.

    Beyond his call for greater recognition, Sammy opened up about the unique structural challenges that come with leading the West Indies side. Unlike most national cricket teams that represent a single sovereign country, the West Indies squad unites players from multiple independent island nations across the Caribbean. This diversity creates inherent hurdles for team selection and internal unity, as local fan bases often prioritize players from their home countries, and it is impossible to satisfy every regional constituency. “It is extremely hard, but these are the challenges and what the job brings and you sign up for,” Sammy noted. Despite these difficulties, he reaffirmed that cricket remains one of the only unifying forces across the fragmented Caribbean, capable of lifting public mood and bringing widespread joy across the region when the team performs well.

    Sammy’s appeal is not an isolated call: it echoes a longstanding sentiment shared across the Caribbean cricket community, where sporting and political leaders have repeatedly pushed for greater global acknowledgment of the region’s outsized impact on international cricket. Most recently, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Cricket West Indies President Kishore Shallow have joined this push, calling for increased recognition not only from regional media but from the global cricket establishment as a whole.

    To complement this cultural push, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has launched formal institutional efforts to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich cricket legacy. In June 2024, the governing board announced plans to open a modern cricket museum at its new headquarters and campus located at Antigua’s Coolidge Cricket Ground. This museum project is part of a broader strategic initiative to reignite grassroots passion for cricket across the Caribbean and help the Men in Maroon reclaim their status as a dominant, globally recognized force in international cricket.

  • National swim squad set for Goodwill Championships

    National swim squad set for Goodwill Championships

    Barbados is set to compete at the 30th Annual Goodwill Swimming Championships, scheduled to run from August 14 to 16 in neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, with a 37-strong contingent of young competitive swimmers. The official roster was announced publicly this week by the Barbados Aquatic Sports Association (BASA), ahead of the team’s departure for the regional event.

  • Argentina rally past England to set up World Cup final showdown with Spain

    Argentina rally past England to set up World Cup final showdown with Spain

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash between Argentina and England delivered one of the tournament’s most unforgettable twists, as the defending champions pulled off a stunning 2-1 late turnaround to book their spot in the final against Spain. Held at Atlanta’s match venue, the encounter pitted two of global football’s most storied nations against each other, with a place in soccer’s biggest title decider on the line.

    The opening 45 minutes set the tone for a tense, physical battle, with both sides prioritizing defensive solidity over reckless attacking. Clear scoring opportunities were rare throughout the first half: England centre-back John Stones sent a header just wide of the target after a well-placed Declan Rice free kick, while Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez dragged a long-range effort over the crossbar in one of the defending champions’ only promising first-half openings. Neither side managed to break the deadlock by the interval, leaving everything to play for in the second 45 minutes.

    Argentina emerged from the locker room with renewed urgency, pushing higher up the pitch and testing England’s defensive line early. Striker Julian Alvarez forced England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into a sharp save to keep the score level, but Gareth Southgate’s side capitalized on their first clear chance of the half to take the lead. In the 55th minute, winger Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous low cross into the Argentine penalty area, and forward Anthony Gordon beat defender Nahuel Molina to the ball, steering a clinical close-range finish beyond Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez to put England ahead.

    The goal prompted Argentina to ramp up the pressure even further, as England dropped deeper into their own half to protect their lead. The equalizer finally came through a well-executed short corner routine: Lionel Messi picked out Enzo Fernandez unmarked at the edge of the 18-yard box, and the Chelsea midfielder hit a powerful, unstoppable strike that flew past Pickford to level the score with 15 minutes left on the clock.

    With the match drawing to a close and extra time looming, Argentina struck the decisive blow in stoppage time. After Alexis Mac Allister’s shot bounced off the upright, Messi kept the attack alive, whipping a pinpoint cross into the far post where substitute Lautaro Martinez was waiting to tap home the winning goal. The late winner sent the Argentine camp into celebrations, breaking English hearts and denying England their first World Cup final appearance in 60 years.

    This victory marks Argentina’s seventh qualification for the FIFA World Cup final, extending their record as one of the most successful teams in tournament history. They will now face Spain in the 2026 title decider, aiming to defend their crown and add another historic chapter to the legacy of one of international football’s greatest dynasties.