La Albiceleste took a historic step toward back-to-back World Cup finals. Lionel Scaloni’s side beat England 2-1 in the semifinals and now face Spain in the final this Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

What happened in the key match?

The game in Atlanta swung both ways. England struck first through Jude Bellingham in the 12th minute, but Julián Álvarez equalized before halftime. Lautaro Martínez then finished clinically in the second half to seal the 2-1 win and send Argentina to the final. The tension, the tears, and the embraces between players and their families made for a celebration that will be remembered.

Scaloni, in the Argentina tracksuit, greeted his family on the bench. His wife, Elisa Montero, and their sons Ian and Noah wore the national colors with pride. The coach couldn’t hold back his emotions and shared a heartfelt embrace with his partner, a moment that quickly went viral online.

The moment that moved the fans

The family celebration didn’t go unnoticed. After the final whistle, players rushed to the stands to hug their loved ones. Scaloni, surrounded by his staff, was no exception. The coach, who lives in Spain with his family, made his stance clear: “Everyone knows I live in Spain, I have Spanish family, but on Sunday I’ll feel it; we’ll try to beat them”, he said after the match.

Argentina arrives at this final on a five-game winning streak. Their last result was a 2-0 win over Angola on November 14, 2025, a stat that underscores their current momentum. The team hasn’t tasted defeat in their last five matches, a run that highlights their strength in this tournament.

What’s next?

The next hurdle is Spain. Luis de la Fuente’s side will try to stop Argentina’s march. The match kicks off this Sunday at 4 p.m. Argentina time at MetLife Stadium.

The players are already thinking about the title. “Garra, corazón y fútbol”, Scaloni’s message read. The final promises to be a tactical and emotional clash, with Argentina chasing history in a World Cup that already gave them unforgettable joy in 1978 and 1986.