Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable performance as Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final on Wednesday in Atlanta.
England looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, but the defending champions refused to surrender. Enzo Fernández struck a brilliant equaliser in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi’s pinpoint cross deep into stoppage time to complete an incredible turnaround.
The dramatic victory makes Argentina the first nation in World Cup history to score multiple match-winning goals in second-half stoppage time during a single tournament.
“It means everything,” Lautaro Martínez said after the match. “Ever since I got my first pair of boots, I’ve dreamed of scoring a goal like this.”
The first half ended goalless despite both sides creating opportunities in a fiercely contested encounter. Messi constantly threatened England’s defence with his dribbling and creativity, forcing several fouls as the Three Lions struggled to contain him.
England finally found the breakthrough when Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous cross for Anthony Gordon, who calmly finished past Emiliano Martínez to give his side the lead.
Argentina responded with relentless pressure. Jordan Pickford denied Nico González with an excellent save, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as the South Americans searched for an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Messi found Enzo Fernández, who controlled the ball before firing a superb finish beyond Pickford to level the match.
Moments later, Mac Allister hit the woodwork again before Messi reacted quickest to the rebound, collecting the loose ball and delivering a superb cross to the far post, where Lautaro Martínez nodded home the dramatic winner.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ determination after another memorable comeback.
“This team never stops surprising me,” Scaloni said. “We’ll give everything we have to try to win the World Cup.”
England’s defeat means the Three Lions have now lost each of their last three World Cup semi-finals and remain without a final appearance since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Harry Kane admitted his side struggled to maintain control after taking the lead.
“We couldn’t keep the momentum going, and they punished us,” the England captain said.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final at New York-New Jersey Stadium, aiming to become only the third nation after Brazil and Italy to win consecutive World Cup titles. England will meet France in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
