Argentina stun England in dying minutes to reach World Cup final

Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in a pulsating World Cup semi-final, with Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez striking late — the winner set up brilliantly by Lionel Messi in what may be the icon’s final World Cup appearance — to set up a final against Spain.

England were 35 minutes from a first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina had other ideas.

In one of the most dramatic semi-finals in World Cup history, reigning champions Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit with two late strikes to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, booking their place in the weekend’s final against Spain.

Reuters reports that Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the 55th minute in fortuitous fashion — Nicolas Tagliafico’s attempted clearance fell to Declan Rice, who threaded a through ball to Morgan Rogers. Gordon arrived at the back post to guide Rogers’ cross past Emiliano Martinez with his instep, sending England’s players and supporters into delirium.

But England sat deep and invited pressure, and Argentina — inspired relentlessly by a 39-year-old Lionel Messi — made them pay.

Enzo Fernandez drew Argentina level in the 85th minute, collecting a Messi pass on the edge of the box before firing a precise 20-metre strike past Jordan Pickford into the corner.

Then, deep into added time, came the killer blow. Alexis Mac Allister drove a shot off the post and Messi — defying his years — recovered possession, drove down the right flank, and delivered a brilliant cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez, on since the 81st minute, to head emphatically home in the 92nd minute.

The victory carried layers of emotion for Messi, widely expected to be playing in the final World Cup of his glittering career. His assist for the equaliser and cross for the winner underscored why, even at 39, he remains decisive at the highest level.

For England and manager Thomas Tuchel, the defeat was a devastating collapse after controlling much of the contest.

Argentina face Spain in the final on the weekend.