If you thought Lionel Messi's reign was over, think again. Argentina's international hero came through again in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, delivering two clutch assists in La Albiceleste's 2-1 comeback win over the Three Lions on Wednesday. Argentina's chances of advancing to back-to-back World Cup finals looked slim as it entered the 84th minute down 1-0. But if Argentina has shown anything in this tournament, it's that it can always find a way as long as there's time on the clock. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernndez finally broke the deadlock in the 85th minute, burying a clutch goal into the top-left corner of the net. Seven minutes later, in the second minute of stoppage time, striker Lautaro Martinez completed the comeback with a powerful header to give Argentina the 2-1 lead. Both of these goals were assisted by Messi, Argentina's beloved GOAT. The result sent the sports world into a frenzy, with everyone from NFL legend Tom Brady to NBA champion Jalen Brunson sharing their feeling of shock and awe. Here were the best reactions on X from the match:

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Some of the biggest stars in sports have arrived on the ESPYs red carpet on Wednesday.The annual event celebrates the top athletic achievements over the past year and brings together the fan favorites of the sports industry and its biggest stars.Top nominees include Jalen Brunson, Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Matthew Stafford, Rory McIlroy, Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, Mikaela Shiffrin, Victor Wembanyama and A'ja Wilson.The 2026 ESPYS: How to watch, who's nominated and moreThis year's star-studded event is being held in New York City at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, and it will be hosted by Marcello Hernndez.Hip-hop artist De La Soul, rapper Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick and the Savannah Bananas will all perform, while Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, Eileen Gu and more will present.Suni Lee announces gymnastics return 2 years ahead of LA OlympicsSee all the stars arrive below.Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Simone Biles attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Alysa Liu attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Sunisa Lee attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks Brunson attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral and Marcello Hernandez attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Tracy Morgan (R) attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Damar Hamlin attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Kevin Hart attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Russell Wilson attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. Mike Coppola/Getty Images - PHOTO: Dwight Howard attends the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City.

At the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi and Argentina have owned the final minutes in the knockout rounds. Wednesday's rally past England in the World Cup semifinals Argentina trailed 1-0 late before winning 2-1 only added another entry on the long list of late-game dramatics by the defending champions, who will now play Spain in Sunday's final. Among them: A pair of rallies from late-game deficits in the knockout stage, coming back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt and then 1-0 down to beat England. A breakdown of Argentina saving its best for last in this World Cup: June 22: Messi Seals Group Stage Win Over Austria Minute: 90+5 Final: Argentina 2, Austria 0 In the second match of the group stage, the outcome wasnt necessarily in doubt. Argentina led 1-0 in second-half stoppage time, when Lionel Messi got his own rebound and threaded a blast between three defenders for an insurance goal that sealed the victory. June 27: Messi Scores Late Once Again Minute: 80th Final: Argentina 3, Jordan 1 Argentina led 2-1 in the group finale, and Lionel Messi who had just entered the game as a sub had a free kick from about 25 yards out. He saw a gap in the wall of Jordan defenders, sending a low shot that skipped once and went into the back of the net for the clincher. July 3: Messi Sets Up Cape Verde Own Goal Minute: 92nd, then 111th Final: Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2 The first match of the knockout stage was wild, with Argentina getting two extra-time goals and needing both to hold off the Cinderella story that was Cape Verde. Lisandro Martnez scored in the 92nd minute for a 2-1 lead, and Messi served up a perfect ball off a corner kick that became an own goal in the 111th minute -- the one that gave Argentina a 3-2 win. July 7: Three-Goal Rally vs. Egypt Minute: 79th, 83rd, then 90+2 Final: Argentina 3, Egypt 2 The champions looked done in the round of 16, with Egypt up 2-0 with 11 minutes left before second-half stoppage time. And then the comeback of the tournament happened, with Cristian Romero scoring in the 79th minute, Messi connecting four minutes later and Enzo Fernndez getting the game-winner two minutes into stoppage time. July 11: A Pair Of Late Goals Against Switzerland Minute: 112th, then 120+1 Final: Argentina 3, Switzerland 1 Switzerland was down to 10 men, but sent its quarterfinal with Argentina to extra time anyway. And eventually, Argentina got the breakthrough: Julian Alvarez scored the go-ahead goal in the 112th minute, then Lautaro Martinez scored in the final moments as the champions moved into the semifinals with a 3-1 victory. July 15: Messi Leads Argentina To World Cup Final With Two Assists Minute: 85th, then 90+2 Final: Argentina 2, England 1 Enzo Fernndez scored in the 85th minute, Lautaro Martinez scored two minutes into stoppage time and Messi assisted on both goals as Argentina rallied from a 1-0 deficit to beat England 2-1 and move into the World Cup final. Those goals gave Argentina a staggering 11 tallies in the 79th minute of play or later in this tournament. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Subscribe to The CooligansApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeLive from Atlanta, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver an immediate, high-energy live reaction show following Argentina's thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England in the World Cup semifinal. The hosts launch directly into a scathing critique of England manager Thomas Tuchel, placing 100% of the blame squarely at his feet for executing an incredibly cowardly low-block game plan after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions up 1-0. They highlight an embarrassing statistic showing that England averaged a meager 12% possession between Gordon's opening goal and Lautaro Martinez's dramatic match-winner.The guys break down the pivotal tactical adjustments and execution blunders that allowed the reigning champions to completely manipulate the second half of play. They analyze Enzo Fernndez's spectacular equalizing strike against Jordan Pickford, set up by a composed pass from a slow-walking but deeply calculated Lionel Messi. The tactical breakdown extends to England's fatal defensive lapse in the 92nd minute, where a fresh Ezri Konsa and John Stones were caught completely asleep on the far post, allowing the shorter Lautaro Martinez to secure the victory with an open header.Beyond the action on the pitch, Christian and Alexis read through viral social media reactions from figures like Wayne Rooney, Iker Casillas, and Zito condemning England's hyper-pragmatic approach. They break down Enzo Fernndez's standout performance as their "Stock Up" player while labeling Thomas Tuchel's decision-making as total coaching malpractice for "Stock Down". Finally, they react to a breaking medical report regarding Arsenal center-back William Saliba undergoing back surgery before looking ahead to the massive Argentina vs. Spain final matchup and sharing their closing tour details for New York City's Webster Hall.Timestamps:(00:00) Initial Reactions to Argentina's 2-1 Semifinal Comeback Over England.(01:30) Blaming Thomas Tuchel: The Cowardly 1-0 Low Block & 12% Possession Nightmare.(06:12) Dissecting the Goals: Enzo Fernndez's Stunner & Lautaro Martinezs 92nd-Minute Winner.(10:36) Internet Reactions: Tweets from Iker Casillas, Wayne Rooney & The Falklands Banner Controversy.(25:04) Stock Market: Enzo Fernndez Rising as Tuchel's Defensive Tactics Solidify "Stock Down".(34:05) World Cup Final Preview: Argentina vs. Spain PredictionsJULY 15: Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out all episodes of The Cooligans the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

For decades, England fans have sung "It's Coming Home" as they hope to will the Three Lions to their first major tournament title since 1966. Those chants have come to no avail, though, as evidenced by England's World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina on Wednesday. England blew a 1-0 lead late in Wednesday's semifinal match against Argentina, giving up the game-tying goal in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martnez scored the game-winner in extra time. The loss marked just the latest heartbreak for England at a major tournament since its World Cup win in 1966. While the Three Lions haven't made it back to the World Cup final since their last win, they've reached the final of the Euros twice since then. So, as England went through another heartbreaking loss on Wednesday, here's a look back at some of its other dramatic losses since its last World Cup victory. WORLD CUP England was eliminated in the quarterfinals at the 1986 World Cup, thanks to one of the most controversial goals in the history of the sport. In the 51st minute, Argentina star Diego Maradona leveled the match against England with the infamous "Hand of God" goal. Four minutes later, Maradona scored another infamous goal, swerving by England's defense to score the game-winner in what would later become known as the "Goal of the Century." England was on the doorstep of reaching the World Cup final in 1990, before things unraveled against West Germany. After scoring the 80th-minute equalizer, England suffered some heartbreak in extra time and penalty kicks. Paul Gascoigne received a yellow card that would've disqualified him from playing in the final, leading to a memorable image of him crying. Gascoigne's yellow card didn't play into the final result against West Germany. However, it became the moment of England's loss, as the Three Lions missed their final two penalty kicks and fell, 4-3. Argentina was on the right side of an England heartbreak again in 1998. In the round of 16, David Beckham received a red card for a foul he committed early in the second half. Somehow, England was not only able to keep the match level with just 10 men, but it also scored a goal in extra time that would've given it the lead. However, Sol Campbell's potential go-ahead goal was called back due to a foul on the goalkeeper. Argentina was able to prevail in penalty kicks. In 2018, the door opened for England to reach the final. England took an early 1-0 lead in the semifinal against Croatia, but allowed a 68th-minute equalizer that forced extra time. Croatia's Mario Manduki scored the game-winning goal in the 109th minute, and England wasn't able to pull through to force penalty kicks. England got the opportunity to potentially knock out defending World Cup champion France in 2022, and it put up a strong fight. Harry Kane scored a penalty kick in the second half to level the match, before France took a 2-1 lead in the 78th minute. Yet, England had a golden opportunity to even the match when it was awarded a penalty kick in the 82nd minute. However, Kane was able to score on a penalty kick again, completely missing the net. For the third time since its last World Cup win, England suffered another heartbreaking loss to Argentina at the World Cup on Wednesday. Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute, giving his side the advantage in a tight match. But some questionable tactical changes by England coach Thomas Tuchel allowed Argentina to make a comeback. Lionel Messi dished out two assists in the final minutes, including one that set up Lautaro Martnez to score the game-winner on a header in extra time. EUROS England's penalty kick nightmares in the World Cup have also carried into its exits at the Euros. In the semis of the 1996 tournament, England and Germany exchanged early goals that set up the match to go into penalties. Both sides made their first five penalty kicks, before Germany scored on its sixth try and England's Gareth Southgate was unable to score on the sixth try. England's loss to Portugal in the quarters of the 2004 Euros was pretty wicked. It blew a 2-1 lead in the 83rd minute, but forced penalty kicks with a goal in the 115th minute. However, Portugal edged out England in penalties, winning 6-5 in seven rounds as David Beckham and Darius Vassell didn't score on their tries. If Argentina has been the biggest thorn in England's side at the World Cup, then Italy has been the biggest thorn in its side at the Euros. It battled Italy to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes in the semis at the 2012 Euros, forcing another dramatic session of penalty kicks. But as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney scored for England in penalties, Ashley Young and Ashley Cole didn't score, allowing Italy to win the penalties, 4-2. England's loss to Italy in the final of the 2020 Euros might be its most painful on this list. It took an early 1-0 lead in the second minute, but Italy equalized in the 67th minute. While England wasn't able to score again, it was in control during penalties. The Three Lions took a 2-1 lead through the first two rounds, but Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all failed to score on their tries. Italy scored on two of its final three penalty kicks, and England came up short at Wembley. Once again, England was on the precipice of winning the Euros in 2024. Cole Palmer scored the equalizer against Spain in the 73rd minute, as it appeared the match would go into extra time. Right before stoppage time, though, Spain star Mikel Oyarzabal scored an impressive goal that gave his side a 2-1 lead en route to victory.

Argentina scored twice after the 80th minute to advance to their second straight World Cup final despite spending much of the second half dealing with a 1-0 deficit

The Dallas Cowboys remained true to their word, and now the window is officially closed until January. Dallas made it very clear this past spring that they would not be engaging in long-term contract negotiations with George Pickens this offseason, and on Wednesday the deadline passed on the option. The NFL has a self-imposed July 15 deadline, after which teams who have a player under the franchise tag can no longer negotiate long-term deals. As of 4 pm Eastern time, the option is now off the table.As there's zero chance the Cowboys are going to give Pickens a raise at this point, the fifth-year wideout is set to earn $27.3 million in salary; a mountain in comparison to what he earned across the four seasons of his second-round rookie contract signed with his original team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. And with that, Phase No. 3 of the Cowboys acquisition of Pickens is now complete. On to Phase No. 4.First was the initial acquisition, sending a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick to acquire the former University of Georgia star. Next was getting him an opportunity to perform with a top-tier quarterback like Dak Prescott, unleashing a 1,400-yard, nine-score seasons. The third phase was slapping the franchise tag on Pickens, effectively using the same tool as a fifth-year option that is often placed on first-round draft picks.On a recent appearance on Crown Global Media's Doing Alright podcast, NFL beat writer Jane Slater stated multiple times, the thing that gave the Cowboys pause in hitching their wagons was the breaking of team rules during their trip to face the Las Vegas Raiders, and the fact that he roped in the player whom they already paid the big contract to, CeeDee Lamb.The pause had the Cowboys do a smart thing, placing the non-exclusive tag on Pickens and having the rest of the league prove to the player and his agent that his reputation was still in play. His performance on its own would've validated a team agreeing to a deal with Pickens and offering the Cowboys high-pedigree trade compensation, but no offers came. Certainly, there were teams that would've paid the money by itself, but the trade kicker was too much, giving the Cowboys the upper hand for these next few phases.The Cowboys have as much contractual control over Pickens they could want and can keep Pickens on the roster for several years at less than market value.Combined with his $3.6 million price tag last season, the Cowboys got two years of All-Pro receiver play (projecting a similar output in 2026) for a third-round pick and $15.5 million a season.That Average Annual Value (AAV) would rank 29th among NFL wideouts if it were a two-year deal. Even adding in a second tag in 2027, which would be for 120% or $32.8 million, Pickens would still be far below the current going rate. $63.7 million across three years is still just a $21.2 million AAV.That's still outside the Top 20 of current wideout averages.And get this, if the Cowboys did the normally unthinkable and use the rarified third franchise tag on Pickens, the one year amount would be an outrageous 144% of the prior salary, or $47.2 million. In 2028 that would likely qualify as the most expensive per-year number in the league. Jaxon Smith-Njigba just became the highest-paid WR ever at $42.15 million on average.Puka Nacua may take that top slot, but he checked himself into rehab this spring. Is Chris Olave that guy? Likely not going to move the needle that much ahead. $47.2 million for Pickens would be outrageous in that light. But from the perspective of how much Dallas would have paid across four years since the trade?$111 million. That's still just a $27.7 million average across four seasons. Even if one were to look at new money from this point forward, excluding the rookie-deal 2025 salary, three franchise tags still comes up to $107.3 million across three years, or a $35.8 million average. That's steep, and clearly higher than Dallas may want to venture, but it's a year-by-year deal where there's never a commitment to future years.Two tags? No brainer at $60 million total, $30 million per season. Would they love to spread out the cap hit across future seasons? Of course, but of all the teams who know how to manage the single-year big tag hit, it's the Cowboys.The Cowboys can get off of the ride at anytime. They can allow Pickens to reach free agency next year, knowing his next contract would guarantee a shot at a top-100 pick in compensatory return. They can tag Pickens again next spring, have him return for 2027 or work out a trade for anything better than that comp pick; and the exchange would almost certainly be much, much better. They can even tag him a third time and keep him for 2028 if they are willing to carry that much cap hit for one player.That isn't likely to be in the cards, but it does exist in the hand the Cowboys are holding.This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Phase No. 3 complete, Cowboys now move forward with true Pickens eval

The final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now set as Spain and Argentina will meet on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium in the worlds most important game. It is a clash between two elite national teams who both put on remarkable performances in their respective semifinal wins. It pits the reigning European champion who is undefeated in its last 14 games in major tournaments (13 wins and one draw) against a team whose success is unparalleled, like the two-time reigning Copa Amrica holders and the defending World Cup champion. Here is everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup final: Spain vs. Argentina: How To Watch Winning any major international tournament is exceptionally hard as it takes world-class talent, top coaching, no off days, and even a little bit of luck. On Sunday, Argentina will attempt to win its fourth consecutive major tournament in what would be an unprecedented feat. Of course, the accomplishment was made possible by Lionel Messi, who is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. What is striking about Messis career is that most of his international success began at the age of 34 with the 2021 Copa Amrica, when he was named the tournaments best player in leading Argentina to its first title since 1993. Then he won the World Cup in 2022 at the age of 35, where he was again named the best player. Argentina repeated the Copa Amrica title in 2024 in the United States despite Messi scoring just one goal and leaving the final injured. Now at the 2026 World Cup, Messi has once again continued to dominate the tournament at the age of 39. He scored Argentinas first five goals of the tournament and only three of the teams 14 goals in the last five games. What is so impressive, is that in the last five games he has actually played his best because he has been elevating his teammates. Against England, Messi took advantage of Englands defensive shift after the Three Lions took a 1-0 lead. He then assisted on Enzo Fernndezs equalizer in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinezs stoppage time winner. Messi has instead helped to balance the team's attack and give it more versatility. Argentina has an incredible amount of talent and Messi has helped to bring it all to its potential. Lionel Scaloni also has this team playing with raw intensity and a desire to win that has not been matched. Argentina has been vulnerable at times in this tournament, such as trailing Egypt by two goals late, or trailing England 1-0 into the 85h minute. But Argentina has excelled when its back has been against the wall. If there is any team that can match Argentinas intensity, it is Spain. La Roja played a near perfect game in its 2-0 win over France in the semifinal. What makes Spain so great is that all the players are so deeply committed to the system implemented by head coach Luis de la Fuente. No team in this tournament can pass and move as well as Spain. Once Spain has possession, it is extremely difficult to win it back. Then on the defensive side, Spain knows how to shut down spaces and force turnovers. Everyone in Spain plays a role in its system, but Rodri is the glue that makes the team move. Against France, the Manchester City central midfielder put on a world-class shift in terms of connecting the ball from the midfield and into the attack. Then defensively, he forced France into turnovers. He also won a significant percentage of his duels to keep Spain in possession. Spains attack is led by teenager Lamine Yamal and veteran forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who spent his entire career at Real Sociedad as opposed to the top clubs where elite center forwards play. Oyarzabal has been a perfect center forward for Spains system, and he typically finds ways to score big goals. Yamal, on the other hand, is a teenage superstar at Barcelona who is on the verge of becoming the next global superstar. Of course, if the winger can now in the World Cup, he will be on a path reserved for only the greatest players. The architect of Spains rise is de la Fuente. The team has become completely dedicated to his vision. During his tenure, Spain won all seven of its games at Euro 2024 and now has won six of seven at this World Cup. The only blemish he has in a major tournament leading Spain is a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. But de la Fuente has created a team that is extremely difficult to break down. Through seven games, La Roja conceded just one goal. In the semifinal, world-class attackers Kylian Mbapp and Ousmane Dembl never looked dangerous. De la Fuentes team is as prepared as any team this decade to contain Messi. This game has no clear favorites. Just two great teams led by global stars. It will be an extremely hard-fought game and the winner will be a worthy champion. Players To Watch Everyone needs to watch Lionel Messi in this game because this might be the last chance to see the greatest player of all time play in an important game for his country. He is looking to win his fourth straight major title for La Albiceleste and add to his record 21 career World Cup goals. At age 39, Messi is only continuing to get better. With his two assists against England, he now has eight goals and two assists in this tournament. He became the first player ever to have over 10 goal involvements in consecutive World Cups after scoring seven and assisting on three goals in 2022. Chelseas Enzo Fernndez has a critical assignment on Sunday. As a central midfielder, he will be tasked with going against the heart of Spains system in the middle of the field where Rodi and Fabian Ruiz typically dictate the game on their terms. Fernandez had a great performance against England. Even beyond his goal, Fernandez was very effective in his passing where he made few mistakes, switched the point of attack, and regularly got the ball into dangerous positions. He needs to be just as effective against Spain for Argentina to have a good chance. The 19-year-old central defender might be the best centerback in the world after what he has shown in this tournament. Already a regular starter for Barcelona, Cubars has been even more impressive with Spain as he is a major reason why his team has conceded just one goal across its seven games at the World Cup. Handling Argentina will require another big effort, but if he is successful, he will widely be considered a global superstar and the most valuable player in the world at his position. The Manchester City central midfielder is the engine of Spains system. He is a tireless worker who is so effective on both sides of the ball. He will present Argentina with the toughest test it has faced at this World Cup. If he can control the midfield and force Argentina into chasing the game the way France did, Spain has an excellent chance of winning. For La Roja, it starts with him.