Argentina rallied for a 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday after trailing 1-0 going into the 85th minute in the World Cup semifinal. Enzo Fernandez swept in the equalizer from outside the box in the 85th minute after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi. Two minutes into stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner from a Messi cross. Martinez said he told Alexis Mac Allister before the game that he was going to come on and win it. Anthony Gordon scored the opening goal for England in the 55th minute.
The defending champions will take on European champion Spain in the final Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. England goalkeeper Jordon Pickford made vital saves and Mac Allister sent a header off the post as Argentina attacked repeatedly. At the final whistle, Messi fell to his knees in celebration while England players collapsed in disbelief. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the team showed collectiveness, brotherhood and fight to the very end. England coach Thomas Tuchel said his substitutions seemed more intent on holding on rather than killing the game off with another goal, and that Argentina played with more risk and rhythm.