Lautaro Martinez headed a stoppage-time winner as defending champions Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final in a dramatic semifinal in Atlanta.
England had led through Anthony Gordon’s first World Cup goal and looked set for a first final since 1966, before Argentina struck twice in the closing stages at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a close-range finish with his right foot after Morgan Rogers delivered a cross, following a quick flick to the wing by Declan Rice.
Jordan Pickford kept England ahead with a crucial save to deny Julian Alvarez in the 47th minute and another outstanding stop in the 69th minute, while Alexis Mac Allister hit the post in the 76th.
The semifinal renewed one of football’s most emotionally charged rivalries and carried an early edge, with Leandro Paredes booked for a late challenge on Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez booked for a foul on Elliot Anderson.
Fernandez sparked the fightback for Argentina in the 85th minute, firing home from outside the penalty box to level after England had defended deep for long periods.
Martinez completed the turnaround two minutes into stoppage time, heading in a cross from Lionel Messi to seal victory in what was Messi’s first ever appearance against England.
The result underlined Argentina’s resilience as defending champions, having already survived extra-time against Cape Verde and Switzerland and recovered from 2-0 down against Egypt earlier in the tournament.
For England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, it was a brutal ending after coming so close to a return to the final, with Tuchel having said beforehand his side had the grit and mentality to face Argentina.
Lionel Scaloni had described the fixture simply as a football game, but for both nations it carried huge historical weight beyond the pitch on the night.
Ismail Elfath officiated the contest at Atlanta Stadium as Argentina booked a final against Spain on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, while England will face France in the third-place playoff on July 18 in Miami Gardens.
