ATLANTA — Defending champions Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday and reach a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, with Lionel Messi providing both assists to keep alive his team's bid to retain the title.
England appeared on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead 10 minutes into the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Argentina, however, mounted another dramatic late comeback. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute after being set up by Messi, before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi's cross in second-half stoppage time to complete the turnaround and send Lionel Scaloni's side into Sunday's final against Spain.
The victory extends Argentina's remarkable run in the tournament, with the South Americans repeatedly recovering from difficult positions during the knockout phase. Messi, widely expected to be playing in his final World Cup, again proved decisive despite not scoring, creating both goals as Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit in the closing stages.
Spain booked their place in the final a day earlier by defeating France, setting up a meeting between the reigning world champions and the reigning European champions.
England defended resolutely for much of the match after Gordon's goal but struggled to withstand sustained Argentine pressure late in the contest. Manager Thomas Tuchel said after the defeat that responsibility rested with him following tactical changes as England attempted to protect their lead.
"I take responsibility," Tuchel said after the match, adding that his side became too passive as Argentina increased the pressure in the closing minutes.
Captain Harry Kane also acknowledged that England retreated too deeply after taking the lead, allowing Argentina to dictate the closing stages.
For Argentina, the result marks another appearance in football's biggest match after lifting the World Cup in 2022. Scaloni's team has advanced through a series of hard-fought knockout victories, including comeback wins over Egypt and England, as it seeks to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men's World Cup title.
Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while England will meet France in the third-place playoff.
