Trailing 1-0 going into the 85th minute, Argentina rallied for a 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday with goals from Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon's goal in the 55th minute, but Argentina refused to give in as they have done repeatedly throughout this World Cup. At the final whistle, Messi fell to his knees in celebration while England players collapsed in disbelief. Martinez said he dreamed it and told Alexis Mac Allister before the match that he was going to come on and win it. The defending champions will take on European champion Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. England goalkeeper Jordon Pickford made vital saves while Mac Allister sent a header off the post as wave after wave of Argentina attacks came. Messi fed the ball to Fernandez to sweep in the equalizer from outside the box in the 85th minute. Two minutes into stoppage time, Messi sent in a cross for Martinez to head in the winner.
England lost in the World Cup semifinals for the third time after previous defeats to Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018. Argentina has now extinguished English hopes at the World Cup in 1986, 1998 and 2026. England captain Harry Kane said he was gutted for the team, the staff and the fans, noting they worked so hard to be here and gave every bit of blood, sweat and tears. England coach Thomas Tuchel said Argentina played with more risk and rhythm, with the feeling they had nothing to lose anymore, which freed them up and held England back because they played with a feeling they had a lot to lose. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the team proved the collectiveness and brotherhood they have and the fight to the very end.