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Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, with Lautaro Martinez scoring in stoppage time to send the defending champion into the final against Spain.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernandez equalized late in regulation before Martinez completed Argentina’s comeback with Lionel Messi providing the assist.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final, while England will meet France in the third-place playoff.
The semifinal began as a tense and physical contest between two countries with a long World Cup rivalry.
England manager Thomas Tuchel made three changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Reece James, Djed Spence and Morgan Rogers. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made one change, selecting Giuliano Simeone in place of Rodrigo De Paul.
England started Jordan Pickford in goal, with James, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Spence in defense. Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham and Rogers formed the midfield, while Harry Kane and Gordon led the attack.
Argentina’s starting lineup included Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Simeone, Messi and Julian Alvarez.
The opening half featured 19 fouls, with Argentina committing 12. Anderson and Lisandro Martinez were booked as the teams entered halftime level at 0-0.
England broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart.
Rice started the move before Rogers delivered the ball to Gordon, who finished to give England a 1-0 advantage in the 55th minute.
Argentina responded by increasing the pressure on England’s defense. Mac Allister struck the post, while Pickford produced a save to deny Nico Gonzalez as Scaloni’s side searched for an equalizer.
England attempted to protect its lead by introducing Dan Burn, while Argentina brought on Lautaro Martinez as part of its attacking changes.
Argentina’s pressure produced a late equalizer when Fernandez scored following an assist from Messi, bringing the defending champion level at 1-1.
With the semifinal appearing headed toward extra time, Argentina struck again during stoppage time.
Messi created the decisive opportunity for Lautaro Martinez, who scored to complete the comeback and put Argentina ahead 2-1.
England was unable to respond before the final whistle, ending its attempt to reach a first World Cup final since 1966.
The victory kept Argentina’s title defense alive and secured a place in the World Cup final against Spain.
Spain advanced by defeating France 2-0 in the other semifinal.
Argentina will attempt to win a second consecutive World Cup, while England will face France in the third-place playoff.
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