Argentina produced a dramatic late turnaround to defeat England in the second FIFA World Cup semi-final, overturning a one-goal deficit to secure a place in the final against Spain.
England appeared on course for victory after Anthony Gordon's second-half strike left Argentina trailing until the closing stages. However, Enzo Fernandez restored parity in the 85th minute with a superb long-range effort before Lautaro Martinez completed the comeback by heading home in the second minute of stoppage time, sealing a 2-1 victory just as extra time seemed inevitable.
Lionel Messi played a decisive role in both goals, providing the assists for Fernandez and Martinez. With that performance, the Golden Boot leader has now either scored or assisted in each of his last 11 World Cup matches.
Argentina also came close to extending their advantage during the contest. Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork on two occasions, while England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest for much of the match.
The victory maintained Argentina's flawless record in World Cup semi-finals, with the South American side now having won all six appearances at that stage of the tournament.
The comeback gathered momentum when Fernandez curled a stunning effort into the net from outside the penalty area in the 85th minute after receiving a pass from Messi on the right flank, beating an otherwise exceptional Pickford.
Messi was again at the centre of the decisive moment seven minutes later, sending in a dangerous cross that Martinez powered into the net with a header to complete Argentina's remarkable turnaround.
The result means Argentina will face Spain in the final after the Spaniards eliminated France in Tuesday's first semi-final.
England had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Gordon, who completed a transfer from Newcastle United to Barcelona before the start of this World Cup. Morgan Rogers delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, allowing Gordon to guide the ball into the net and make it 1-0.
Argentina nearly responded immediately, but Djed Spence produced a perfectly timed sliding challenge moments later to deny Giuliano Simeone a clear opportunity to equalise.
The opening half was fiercely contested despite ending goalless. Players from both teams committed 19 fouls—12 by Argentina and seven by England—with seven of those arriving within the first 10 minutes. Although the referee initially kept his cards in his pocket, he eventually booked England's Elliot Anderson and Argentina's Lisandro Martinez before the interval.
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