Lautaro Martinez scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over England on Wednesday, sending the defending champions into the World Cup final against European champions Spain.
England appeared destined for their first World Cup final since their 1966 triumph after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead 10 minutes into the second half before a crowd of 68,239 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
However, Argentina produced a remarkable late turnaround in another memorable chapter of one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
Messi, still pulling the strings at 39, created both goals, first setting up Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser in the 85th minute 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 on course to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
It also sends Messi into his third World Cup final, making him only the second player after Brazil legend Cafu to achieve the feat.
Argentina will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday in a clash between the reigning champions of South America and Europe at the first 48-team FIFA World Cup.
For Messi, who won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the final offers another chance to add to an already extraordinary legacy.
England, meanwhile, must regroup for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France after suffering another heartbreaking World Cup exit.
England let lead slip
Given the history between the two nations, the semi-final was played with intensity from the opening whistle.
Argentina dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, while England defended resolutely in a physical contest marked by frequent fouls.
The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute.
Harry Kane helped launch the move before Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross from the right that Anthony Gordon met at the far post, beating Nahuel Molina to put England ahead.
With one foot in the final, England retreated deeper, allowing Argentina to seize the initiative.
Jordan Pickford produced an excellent save to deny Nico Gonzalez before Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as Argentina piled on the pressure.
After another long-range effort from Enzo Fernandez was saved, Messi unlocked England’s defence with a perfectly weighted pass that Fernandez controlled before firing beyond Pickford in the 85th minute.
Argentina continued to push for a winner, with Mac Allister hitting the woodwork again before Lautaro Martinez rose highest to head home Messi’s cross deep into stoppage time.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Argentina’s players and supporters, while England’s players collapsed to the turf in disbelief after seeing a place in the final slip away.
Argentina will now attempt to retain the World Cup for the first time in more than six decades, while Spain stand between Messi and another historic triumph.
AFP
