Argentina Triumphs Over England in FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final

In a gripping semi-final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina overcame England with a 2-1 victory, highlighted by a controversial moment involving Lionel Messi. The match saw Messi orchestrate a crucial equalizer, leading to debates over an offside call. As Argentina prepares for the final against Spain, the VAR decision regarding Messi's positioning remains a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 05:40 IST

Argentina's Dramatic Comeback

In a thrilling encounter, Argentina faced off against England in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. This match added another exciting chapter to their historic rivalry, setting the stage for a final showdown against Spain. A pivotal moment in the game was sparked by a movement from Lionel Messi, which led to a powerful equalizer from Enzo Fernandez, igniting discussions among fans and analysts alike.

Offside Controversy Surrounding Messi's Play

Throughout much of the match, England seemed to dominate, taking the lead with a goal from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. As the game progressed into its final moments, Argentina intensified their efforts to score. Messi played a crucial role in this resurgence, initiating a short corner that would ultimately change the course of the match. After receiving a return pass, Messi appeared to be in a questionable position relative to the last English defender before assisting Fernandez, who struck a powerful shot to equalize.

Immediately following the goal, English players protested, claiming Messi was offside when he received the ball. Commentators also noted the potential infraction, leading to widespread debate.

Do you think there was an offside in this situation?#messi pic.twitter.com/eQqciQstF7
— SharpOran (@SharpOranra) July 15, 2026

VAR Review and Decision

Following the goal, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was called into action to assess Messi's positioning at the moment the ball was played. According to football regulations, a player is deemed offside if any part of their body that can play the ball is closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender. After a thorough review, VAR officials determined that Messi was marginally onside during the play, allowing the goal to stand. This decision, however, has faced scrutiny, similar to other contentious calls favoring Argentina throughout the tournament.