Defending champions Argentina are one win away from retaining the FIFA World Cup title after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in a second consecutive World Cup final.
The South Americans showed the resilience that has defined their recent success, overturning a second-half deficit before snatching a stoppage-time winner to end England’s hopes of reaching the final.
England looked to be in control after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, giving the Three Lions a deserved lead following an evenly contested encounter.
The advantage, however, lasted just 30 minutes.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández drew Argentina level in the 85th minute, breathing new life into Lionel Scaloni’s side and setting up a tense finish as both teams pushed for a decisive goal.
With extra time looming, Argentina produced one final moment of brilliance.
Deep into stoppage time, Lionel Messi delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winner and complete a remarkable turnaround.
The dramatic late strike sealed a 2-1 victory for the reigning world champions, sending Argentina into yet another World Cup final.
The result also extends Argentina’s impressive run on football’s biggest stage, with the Albiceleste now set to contest back-to-back World Cup finals as they continue their bid to defend the trophy.
Standing between them and another world title is Spain, who secured their place in the final after defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final.
The championship clash will pit two of international football’s most technically gifted sides against each other, with Argentina chasing consecutive World Cup crowns while Spain seek to lift the trophy for the second time in their history.
For England, the defeat marks another heartbreaking exit at the latter stages of a major tournament. After taking the lead through Gordon, they were unable to withstand Argentina’s late pressure as Messi once again proved decisive on the biggest stage, providing the assist for Martínez’s dramatic match-winning header.
Attention now turns to the World Cup final, where Argentina and Spain will battle for football’s biggest prize in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters.
