La Albiceleste made history again. Lionel Messi, the Rosario-born star, was the standout performer in Argentina's 2-1 World Cup 2026 final victory over England in Atlanta. The British newspaper The Guardian didn't hesitate to label his display as pure sporting genius, noting that the Albiceleste captain elevated every teammate on the pitch.

What happened in the match?

The game, defined by Messi's influence, was settled in stoppage time. After a 1-1 draw at the 91st minute, the rosarino took over. Alexis Mac Allister's shot hit the post, but Messi recovered, breezed past England's full-backs, and curled a perfect cross from his right foot to Lautaro Martínez. The goal in the 96th minute sealed the win and booked Argentina's place in the World Cup 2026 final.

Why does this praise matter for the national team?

The Guardian wasn't alone in heaping praise on Messi, but it delivered the most resounding endorsement. Barney Ronay, the article's author, described how the Argentine captain made the stadium revolve around him: "Everyone there was in Messi's space." The British analysis was scathing toward England, criticizing their inability to respond to Messi's presence, which undermined Tuchel's tactical setup simply by existing.

What's next for Argentina?

With this win, the Albiceleste stretch their unbeaten run to five straight games (WWWWW) and set up a chance to claim back-to-back world titles. Their last result before this clash was a 2-0 win over Angola on November 14, 2025. Scaloni's side arrives in the final with momentum and the football world at their feet.

The World Cup 2026 final kicks off this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Argentina will chase a third world crown.