Argentina beats England 2-1 to reach World Cup final
Defending champions Argentina overturned a 1‑0 deficit to defeat England 2‑1 in the FIFA World Cup semi‑final at Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute with a long‑range strike, and Lautaro Martínez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross in stoppage‑time (90 + 2) to send Argentina to the final against Spain.
Messi, who provided both assists, also topped the tournament’s dribbling chart with 24 successful dribbles, surpassing Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his squad’s resilience, saying they “smelled England’s doubt” and “never panicked.” England manager Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for defensive substitutions that allowed Argentina to dominate possession in the closing stages.
England will contest the third‑place playoff against France, while Argentina will meet Spain in the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 19 July.