Argentina's path to the 2026 World Cup final has been defined by breathtaking late-game comebacks. The defending champions have now scored 11 goals from the 79th minute onward in this tournament.
The pattern began in the group stage. Lionel Messi sealed a 2-0 win over Austria in the 95th minute. He then scored a free-kick clincher against Jordan in the 80th minute.
The knockout rounds amplified the drama. In the Round of 16 against Egypt, Argentina trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes left. They then scored three unanswered goals, including strikes from Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernández, to win 3-2.
The quarterfinal against Switzerland went to extra time. Argentina broke through with goals from Julián Álvarez in the 112th minute and Lautaro Martínez in stoppage time for a 3-1 victory.
Most recently, in the semifinal against England, Argentina trailed 1-0. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored in the 85th and 92nd minutes, both assisted by Messi, to secure a 2-1 win and a place in the final against Spain.
This relentless resilience has become the team's signature under pressure.