Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, booking a place in Sunday’s final against Spain and keeping alive their hopes of winning back to back world titles.
Lionel Scaloni’s side appeared headed for defeat after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the second half. However, Argentina launched a relentless late assault as Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home a dramatic winner in stoppage time.
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Lionel Messi played a decisive role in both goals. The 39 year old captain provided the pass for Fernandez’s equaliser before recovering the ball moments later and delivering a perfect cross for Martinez to complete the comeback. The result sends the defending champions into another World Cup final, where they will meet Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
England fall after Gordon opener as Argentina finish strongly
The highly anticipated semi-final between two of football’s fiercest rivals lived up to expectations, with both teams battling intensely throughout a tense contest at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
England looked on course for their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966 after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute.
The move started when Nicolas Tagliafico’s attempted clearance fell to Declan Rice. The midfielder released Morgan Rogers, whose cross found Gordon at the back post. Gordon calmly guided the ball past Emiliano Martinez to spark celebrations among England supporters.
Argentina, however, refused to surrender. They dominated possession during the closing stages and repeatedly threatened Jordan Pickford’s goal.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Messi found Fernandez on the edge of the penalty area. The Chelsea midfielder fired a powerful 20 metre strike into the corner to level the match.
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Just seven minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister struck the post after another flowing attack. Messi reacted first to the rebound, surged down the right flank and produced an inviting cross that Lautaro Martinez headed home to complete a memorable comeback.
“We are truly unique, and that’s not arrogance,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
“From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I’m lost for words. A joy for our country, for our people.”
Messi moves one step closer to another World Cup title
The victory carried extra significance for Messi, who is widely expected to retire from international football after what many believe will be his final World Cup.
Argentina’s captain has now guided his country into consecutive World Cup finals after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
England captain Harry Kane struggled to hide his disappointment after watching his team’s dream disappear late in the match.
“Just gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans,” Kane said.
“We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, it’s not enough.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his players despite the heartbreaking defeat.
“The team gave everything and we were very, very close,” he said.
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“The team was top, we couldn’t bring it over the line, no, but at the moment no regrets.”
Lautaro Martinez described the winning goal as a dream come true.
“This is really emotional,” he said. “The first time my dad bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal.”
Argentina’s supporters created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening, turning Atlanta into a sea of sky blue and white as the reigning champions earned another chance to lift football’s biggest prize on Sunday.
