Lautaro Martinez’s 92nd-minute winner seals dramatic 2-1 comeback victory as Argentina set up blockbuster World Cup final against Spain.
Argentina produced a breathtaking late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi inspiring the reigning champions to a place in the World Cup final against Spain.
England appeared destined for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions ahead in the 55th minute before a crowd of 68,239 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
However, Argentina once again demonstrated their championship pedigree as Messi orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez’s 85th-minute equaliser before delivering a pinpoint cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
The dramatic victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.
At 39, Messi will now become only the second player in history, after Brazilian legend Cafu, to feature in three World Cup finals. Sunday’s showdown at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will also mark his first competitive meeting with European champions Spain.
England, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after letting their lead slip. Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to respond once Argentina seized momentum, with captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham unable to influence the contest when it mattered most.
The match lived up to its billing as one of football’s greatest rivalries, with both teams battling fiercely in a tense opening half that yielded few clear-cut chances.
England finally broke the deadlock when Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross that Gordon converted at the back post. But Argentina, who had already staged a memorable comeback against Egypt earlier in the tournament, refused to surrender.
Jordan Pickford made several crucial saves to keep England ahead, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as Argentina piled on the pressure.
The breakthrough eventually came when Fernandez unleashed a superb strike after collecting a pass from Messi, before Martinez completed the comeback moments later to send Argentine fans into wild celebrations.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final, while England take on France in Saturday’s third-place playoff as their long wait for a second World Cup title continues.