Defending World Cup champions Argentina have advanced to the final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over bitter rivals England in Wednesday's semifinal. The match, held in Atlanta, Georgia, saw England take the lead before Argentina mounted a late surge to secure their spot in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face Spain.
The highly anticipated clash, steeped in one of international soccer's most contentious rivalries, was a hard-fought battle of attrition. England drew first blood in the 55th minute when left winger Anthony Gordon found the net with a chipped cross from Morgan Rogers, giving the Three Lions a 1-0 advantage.
However, Argentina, known for their resilience throughout the tournament, responded in the final minutes. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez leveled the score in the 85th minute with a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area. The winning goal came in stoppage time, a header from substitute Lautaro Martinez, assisted by the legendary Lionel Messi, who also provided the assist for Fernandez's equalizer.
Martinez expressed his elation after the match, stating, "I dreamed it, I swear. 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. I can tell you this team keeps showing what it's made of."
At the final whistle, Messi was seen falling to his knees in celebration, while England's players were left in disbelief. This defeat adds to a history of World Cup heartbreaks for England against Argentina, dating back to 1986 and 1998.
England captain Harry Kane shared his disappointment, saying, "I'm gutted for the team, the staff, the fans. We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every bit of blood, sweat and tears. To fall short like we did is just gutting."
Messi is aiming to lead Argentina to consecutive World Cup titles, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. His eight goals in the tournament tie him for the most. The 39-year-old Messi is also one of only two players, alongside Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, to have participated in six men's World Cups.
England, seeking their first World Cup title since 1966, faced a familiar sting of defeat. Their rivalry with Argentina carries significant historical weight, notably Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 quarterfinal.
Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, praised his team's spirit: "We're going to try to win, we're going to leave everything out there. It's very difficult to get people to understand what these players are showing. It's incredible. We are unique, truly, and it's not arrogance, it's from the heart. We are unique."
England coach Thomas Tuchel had made lineup changes in an attempt to defend their late lead, bringing on defenders Reece James and Dan Burn, and midfielders Declan Rice and Nico O'Reilly in the 82nd minute. However, Argentina and Messi ultimately broke through.
Following the match, Messi was seen exchanging handshakes and hugs with Kane and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Argentinian players celebrated exuberantly in front of their fans, while England's players stood in shock. Many England supporters departed the stadium immediately after the final whistle.
The loss is particularly painful for England, evoking memories of past World Cup encounters with Argentina, including Maradona's handball in 1986 and a penalty shootout loss in 1998 that saw David Beckham sent off.
England's semifinal exit marks their third in recent history, following losses in 1990 and 2018. This is another instance where the team has failed to hold onto a winning position in the latter stages of a major tournament.
The first half of the match was scoreless but marked by intense physicality, with 19 fouls committed and two yellow cards issued, though neither team managed a shot on goal. Referee Ismail Elfath attempted to calm the proceedings early on, but the physical style persisted.
Prior to the match, tensions were heightened by a decision from Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva to ban flags and banners displaying images of the Falkland Islands, citing FIFA's code of conduct against politically divisive content. This decision sparked backlash in Buenos Aires, highlighting the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the islands, which Argentina refers to as the Malvinas.
