ATLANTA : Holders Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to beat England 2-1 in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez completing a dramatic comeback to send Lionel Messi’s side into Sunday’s final against Spain.
England looked on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener, but Argentina mounted relentless late pressure before Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute and substitute Martinez headed home the winner in stoppage time.
Messi, playing in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, created both goals, first setting up Fernandez before delivering the cross that Martinez converted to complete the turnaround.
“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.”
The victory keeps alive Argentina’s bid to retain the World Cup and sets up a final against European champions Spain, who beat France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final.
England had matched Argentina for much of the contest and broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.
After Nicolas Tagliafico’s attempted clearance fell to Declan Rice, the midfielder threaded a pass into Morgan Rogers, whose cross found Gordon arriving unmarked at the far post to steer the ball beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Thomas Tuchel’s side, however, retreated deeper as Argentina increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
The breakthrough came five minutes from time when Messi found Fernandez in space on the edge of the area and the midfielder drilled a low shot beyond Jordan Pickford from 20 metres.
Argentina completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time.
Alexis Mac Allister struck the post before Messi gathered the rebound, advanced down the right flank and delivered a precise cross for Martinez, who had come on in the 81st minute, to head home from close range.
“This is really emotional,” Martinez said.
“The first time my dad bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal. It was really tough today.
“Enzo scored a brilliant goal and I’m confident this team is continuing to show what it’s made of.”
England captain Harry Kane said his side paid the price for becoming too passive after taking the lead.
“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.”
“Gutted because we’ve worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is. So to fall short like we did today… just gutted.”
Tuchel said he had no complaints despite the painful defeat.
“The team gave everything and we were very, very close,” he said.
“The team was top, we couldn’t bring it over the line, but at the moment, no regrets.”
The latest meeting between two of international football’s fiercest rivals lived up to its billing, with tempers flaring in a physical first half before the match exploded into life after the break.
Argentina’s supporters dominated the atmosphere inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, transforming the venue into a sea of sky blue and white as the defending champions secured another memorable comeback to move within one victory of a fourth World Cup title.
