Supporting cast delivers defining moments

For much of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina's journey has appeared to rest on the timeless brilliance of Lionel Messi. Yet, as the defending champions stand one game away from retaining their crown, it has become increasingly clear that Lionel Scaloni's side have found heroes beyond their captain.

The Albiceleste's 2-1 comeback win over England in yesterday's semifinal was another reminder that while Messi remains the orchestra's conductor, others are now playing the defining notes. Messi had scored six of Argentina's first eight goals in the group stage, including their opening six, but eight different players have now found the net for the Albiceleste.

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Few have embodied that better than Enzo Fernandez. The Chelsea midfielder has become Argentina's old-fashioned engine, driving the team forward with relentless energy and an uncanny ability to arrive when it matters most. Known for his industry in the middle of the park, Fernandez has evolved into a devastating box-crasher, a quality that flourished at Chelsea last season, and has become one of Argentina's greatest weapons in this tournament.

Whenever Argentina have needed a defining moment in the knockout rounds, Fernandez has delivered. Despite the physical edge and technical quality that define his game, coupled with a remarkable passing accuracy of 93 percent at this World Cup, he has repeatedly produced moments of real quality. First came his towering 92nd-minute header in the 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Egypt after timing a lung-bursting late run into the box to perfection. Against England, it was a thunderous strike from outside the box that dragged Argentina level and laid the platform for another unforgettable comeback.

His equaliser was Argentina's fifth goal from outside the penalty area at this World Cup, equalling the tournament record (since 1966) for the most by a team in a single edition.

Then there was Lautaro Martinez, who came off the bench and immediately made his presence felt. The Inter Milan striker's stoppage-time winner was classic centre-forward play. Drifting between two defenders with impeccable timing, he headed home Messi's cross to send Argentina into a second successive World Cup final.

For Martinez, it was redemption of sorts. Mocked and heavily criticised after failing to score in six appearances, including two starts, during Argentina's triumphant 2022 campaign, he has embraced a reduced role behind Julian Alvarez without complaint. Instead, he has responded whenever called upon.

A goal from the penalty spot against Jordan in the group stage helped him break his World Cup duck. Then came a match-winning assist for Fernandez, this time as a substitute, against Egypt. A dramatic 121st-minute winner against Switzerland in the quarterfinals further fuelled his resurgence. The 92nd-minute winner against England, assisted by his captain, was the crowning moment. Three goals, one assist and multiple impactful contributions from the bench tell the story of a player who never stopped believing.

"I dreamt it, I swear. I told Alexis that I was going to score. I told him that I was going to come on and I was going to win it. And it fell to me. Enzo scored a great goal too, and now that I'm calmer, I can tell you this team keeps showing what it's made of," Martinez said after the match.

Messi may still be Argentina's greatest star, but this latest march to the final has been powered by a supporting cast that has repeatedly risen to the occasion, especially at the business end of the tournament.