Alan Shearer, one of England's greatest ever strikers, has conceded that Argentina deserved their 2-1 comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final — admitting the better team advanced to the final.

Argentina had fallen behind when Anthony Gordon struck in the 55th minute to give the Three Lions the lead. But the defending champions refused to fold. Enzo Fernandez levelled with a long-range effort before Lautaro Martinez broke English hearts with a header in the 92nd minute to seal the win for Lionel Scaloni's side in Atlanta.

Shearer's honest verdict

Speaking on BBC One, Shearer did not shy away from praising the South American champions. "I think the better team won," he said. "You have got to be open and honest about it."

The Newcastle legend went further, highlighting Argentina's composure and belief throughout the contest. "Their reaction was brilliant, they hit the post a few times and England got lucky. How they didn't panic, how they stuck to their game plan, how they believed in what they were doing — and they did it."

Shearer also credited Scaloni's tactical interventions. "The substitutions worked for them and you have to respect the way they came back into the game. They deserve to be in the final on Sunday as much as it hurts to say that."

Messi closing in on a second world title

Argentina's place in Sunday's final was confirmed after Spain eliminated tournament favourites France in the first semi-final, setting up a blockbuster showdown between the two nations.

At the centre of it all stands Lionel Messi, the talismanic captain who had not lifted a World Cup trophy when he turned 35. With a second title now within reach, Messi's extraordinary career may yet find another historic chapter before he decides to walk away from international football.