Argentina Down England 2-1 In Stoppage-Time Drama To Reach World Cup Final

ATLANTA, Georgia (GNP): World Cup holders Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal at Atlanta Stadium, booking a place in Sunday’s final against European champions Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium.

England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted a low cross from Morgan Rogers, finishing ahead of Nahuel Molina at the back post. The goal appeared to put England on course for their first World Cup final appearance since 1966, but Argentina responded with two goals in the closing minutes to turn the match around.

Lionel Messi played a central role in both goals. In the 85th minute, he set up Enzo Fernandez, who controlled the ball on the edge of the area and struck past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to level the score. Deep into stoppage time, Messi delivered a cross that substitute Lautaro Martinez headed in for the winner, sending Argentina through and sparking wild celebrations on the pitch.

The result extends Messi’s World Cup career into a third final appearance, a distinction matched only by Brazilian great Cafu. Argentina, who won the tournament in Qatar in 2022, are now positioned to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title. Italy remains the only other nation to have defended the trophy.

The first half of the match produced no goals but was marked by repeated flashpoints between the two sides. Jude Bellingham was fouled early by Leandro Paredes, and a series of physical challenges involving Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández, Giuliano Simeone and Leandro Paredes kept tempers high throughout the opening 45 minutes, drawing visible frustration from England manager Thomas Tuchel on the touchline.

Cards were eventually issued late in the half, with Anderson booked in the 38th minute following a challenge on Messi that led to a brief confrontation between players from both sides, and Argentina’s Martinez cautioned four minutes later for pulling back Rogers.

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Statistically, Argentina controlled possession in the first half with 56 percent of the ball against England’s 44 percent, while committing more fouls, 12 to England’s seven.

With the semifinal defeat, England will now face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff in Miami, a fixture neither side will have wanted to contest after coming so close to a first final since 1966. Argentina, meanwhile, will meet Spain in Sunday’s final in a meeting of the reigning champions of South America and Europe.