ATLANTA — Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday, advancing to the World Cup final and moving within one win of a second straight title.
England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon and looked poised to reach its first World Cup final since 1966 before Argentina mounted a late comeback.
Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute after being set up by Lionel Messi, and substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home the winning goal in stoppage time from another Messi assist.
“I dreamed it. I told Alexis (Mac Allister) that I was going to score. I told him that I was going to come on and I was going to win it,” Martinez said.
The defending champions will face European champion Spain in Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Messi, who was largely contained for much of the match, proved decisive with assists on both goals as Argentina extended its remarkable run of comeback victories in the tournament.
“It is a show of the collectiveness, the brotherhood that we are in, the fight to the very end that we’ve got,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
The defeat marked another heartbreaking World Cup semifinal exit for England after losses in 1990 and 2018. Captain Harry Kane said the result was “gutting” after the team came within minutes of reaching the final.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said Argentina took more risks in the closing stages while his side became hesitant after taking the lead.
At 39, Messi is now one victory away from leading Argentina to consecutive World Cup titles and adding another milestone to his decorated international career.