Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in a second successive FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain in Sunday’s showpiece.
The defending champions looked destined for elimination before scoring twice in the closing stages to overturn England’s advantage and keep their hopes of retaining the World Cup alive.
The opening half offered little goalmouth action as both teams remained disciplined defensively. Neither side managed a shot on target during a tactical first 45 minutes, with the match deadlocked at 0-0 heading into the interval.
England emerged with greater intent after the restart and finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where Anthony Gordon arrived unmarked to guide the ball home and give the Three Lions a deserved lead.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared to be on course for a place in the final as they frustrated Argentina for much of the second half. However, Lionel Scaloni’s men found another gear in the closing minutes.
With five minutes remaining, Lionel Messi picked out Enzo Fernández on the edge of the area, and the midfielder rifled a superb long-range strike beyond the England goalkeeper to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Argentina’s favour. Deep into stoppage time, Messi turned provider once again, delivering a pinpoint cross that Lautaro Martínez powered into the net with a clinical header to complete a dramatic turnaround.
The victory sends Argentina into their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final as they bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
Spain stand between La Albiceleste and back-to-back world titles after the European champions defeated France to secure their place in the final. England, meanwhile, will face France in the third-place playoff.
