England vs. Argentina player ratings: Who stood out as Albiceleste complete comeback?

Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to reach the World Cup final, scoring twice in the final six minutes to overturn Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute opener.

Lionel Messi delivered both assists as England's defensive approach crumbled under sustained second-half pressure.

The 2–1 victory ends England's tournament at the semifinal stage and sets up a final against Spain.

DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:

England vs. Argentina Player of the Match

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi orchestrated both goals in Argentina's dramatic late turnaround against their historic rivals.

The captain worked a short corner routine before threading the pass to Enzo Fernández for the equaliser, then weaved past defenders on the right before crossing for Lautaro Martínez's stoppage-time winner.

His movement constantly attracted multiple markers, creating space for teammates throughout.

When Argentina needed him most, Messi provided the decisive contributions that sent them to another World Cup final.

England vs. Argentina Player Ratings

England

Jordan Pickford (6.9): Made several crucial saves including a sensational stop to deny Nico González's header.

Reece James (6.5): Provided width on the right and struck a free kick saved by Martínez.

John Stones (6.4): Headed wide from Rice's delivery; required treatment for a late head injury.

Marc Guéhi (6.7): Anchored the defence with steady positioning and timely clearances throughout.

Djed Spence (7.3): Produced a vital sliding block on Simeone and offered attacking thrust from left-back.

Declan Rice (6.7): Broke up play and delivered set pieces before being withdrawn at 82 minutes.

Elliot Anderson (6.2): Booked for fouling Messi; functional in possession but struggled to impose himself.

Jude Bellingham (6.8): Won the ball from Messi repeatedly but faded as Argentina dominated possession.

Morgan Rogers (7.3): Assisted Gordon's opener with a precise cross and remained a threat throughout.

Anthony Gordon (7.8): Scored the opener with a composed finish before being replaced for defensive cover.

Harry Kane (6.1): Isolated throughout with limited service; blocked Messi's shot but offered little threat.

Ezri Konsa (6.1): Added defensive presence after replacing Gordon but could not stem Argentina's late surge.

Nico O'Reilly (5.9): Entered at 82 minutes with little time to settle before Argentina's equaliser arrived.

Dan Burn (5.9): Introduced to shore up the defence but Argentina broke through three minutes later.

Ivan Toney (5.8): Came on at 90+6' with virtually no time to influence the outcome.

Marcus Rashford (5.8): Entered in stoppage time and delivered one cross as England chased an equaliser.

Argentina

Emiliano Martínez (6.9): Saved from James and Rice; distribution helped Argentina build from the back.

Nahuel Molina (6.5): Caught out of position for Gordon's goal; replaced by Montiel at 72 minutes.

Cristian Romero (7.0): Commanding presence; executed a superb double-dribble to escape pressure in his own box.

Lisandro Martínez (6.4): Booked for halting Rogers' counterattack; replaced at 72 minutes while on a yellow.

Nicolás Tagliafico (6.6): Provided width and made key clearances before making way for Lautaro Martínez.

Leandro Paredes (6.5): Shielded the defence and distributed play before being withdrawn for Nico González.

Alexis Mac Allister (6.7): Hit the post twice and forced saves; his late effort rebounded for the winner.

Enzo Fernández (8.0): Curled home a spectacular equaliser from distance and controlled midfield superbly.

Giuliano Simeone (6.6): Ran at defenders and had a clear chance blocked by Spence's crucial slide.

Lionel Messi (8.8): Provided both assists in the comeback; delivered when Argentina needed him most.

Julián Álvarez (6.5): Forced Pickford into saves but missed the target when well placed inside the box.

Nico González (7.0): Immediate impact off the bench; header forced a sensational save from Pickford.

Gonzalo Montiel (6.4): Provided defensive stability and delivered crosses during the closing stages.

Rodrigo De Paul (6.6): Added energy and quality; his cross led to Mac Allister hitting the post.

Nicolás Otamendi (6.7): Blocked Rogers' shot and provided experienced presence during the late push.

Lautaro Martínez (7.7): Scored the winning header just 11 minutes after coming on to complete the comeback.

Watch the world's best football on DAZN

After the World Cup is over, there is so much great football still to watch on DAZN.

Premier League: All English top flight matches live and in full in Canada

Serie A: Watch all 380 matches of the Italian league live in the UK and Canada. Also in the US in Spanish language

Champions League: Watch every match of the 2026/27 campaign in Canada. Three matches per round exclusively in the US, in Spanish language

National League: DAZN is the home of the National League, with every game available either live or on-demand, plus selected North and South matches

FIFA+ on DAZN : Watch over 7,000 live matches a year, plus World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, films, and player profiles for FREE

More details and to subscribe to a DAZN football package, click here