Argentina produced a remarkable late turnaround to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, keeping alive their hopes of retaining the FIFA World Cup title and ending England’s dream of reaching a first final in 60 years.
Trailing with just five minutes remaining, the defending champions struck twice in the closing stages through Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
England appeared destined for a historic victory after Anthony Gordon fired Thomas Tuchel’s side into the lead in the 55th minute following an impressive defensive display that had largely kept Lionel Messi quiet.
The Three Lions maintained their advantage deep into the second half, but Argentina’s persistence paid off as the South Americans increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Fernández levelled the score in the 85th minute before Messi, who had become increasingly influential after drifting to the right wing, delivered a pinpoint cross for Martínez to head home the dramatic winner in stoppage time.
The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s men into a second successive World Cup final after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s championship match as they seek to become back-to-back world champions, while England will meet France in the third-place playoff.
Speaking after the match, England captain Harry Kane admitted his side struggled to maintain control after taking the lead.
“We tried to hold on, but it wasn’t enough,” Kane said, acknowledging that England had dropped too deep and allowed Argentina to dominate possession during the closing stages.
The defeat extends England’s long wait for another World Cup final appearance, with the nation’s only triumph remaining the 1966 title.
For Argentina, the comeback further highlighted the team’s resilience, while Messi continued his outstanding tournament by providing the decisive assist. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now has eight goals and four assists, strengthening his bid for the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
