Key facts
- Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final.
- Enzo Fernandez scored the equalizer in the 85th minute.
- Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
- Lionel Messi assisted both goals.
- Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final.
- England has been eliminated from the World Cup at the semi-final stage three times.
Argentina has reached the World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals. Trailing 1-0 after Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal, Argentina rallied late with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equalizer in the 85th minute and substitute Lautaro Martinez heading in the winner two minutes into stoppage time, with Lionel Messi providing assists for both goals.
The defending champions will now face European champion Spain in the final. This marks another World Cup semi-final exit for England, their third after previous losses in 1990, 1998, and 2018. England captain Harry Kane expressed his disappointment, stating the team gave "every bit of blood, sweat and tears." England coach Thomas Tuchel suggested his team played with too much caution, while Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni praised the team's collective spirit and fight.
Lionel Messi, likely playing in his last World Cup at age 39, is one win away from further solidifying his claim as the greatest player of all time. The victory echoes past Argentinian triumphs over England in World Cups, including Diego Maradona's infamous handball goal in 1986 and a penalty shootout loss in 1998.