Argentina edges England 2-1 to reach World Cup final, set clash with Spain

Defending champions Argentina pulled off a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory against England on Wednesday night at a raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Trailing late in the second half, Argentina secured their spot in the final thanks to two late goals inspired by captain Lionel Messi. The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes alive of becoming back-to-back world champions, setting up a final clash against Spain this coming Sunday in East Rutherford.

Following a highly physical and fractious first half that ended goalless, the match burst into life after the interval. England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon clinically finished a magnificent cross from Morgan Rogers past goalkeeper Emi Martínez. In response, Thomas Tuchel’s side retreated into a defensive low block to absorb intense pressure from the South American team.

Argentina's persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández scored a stunning long-range equalizer off a short-corner routine initiated by Messi. Two minutes into stoppage time, Messi delivered a precise cross to substitute Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winning goal. The dramatic win puts Argentina one game away from matching the historic feat of consecutive World Cup titles.