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's Anthony Gordon scored the opening goal in the 55th minute. Fernandez swept in the equalizer from outside the box in the 85th minute after Messi fed him the ball. Two minutes into stoppage time, Messi sent in a cross for Martinez to head in the winner. Martinez said he told Alexis Mac Allister that he was going to come on and win it. England goalkeeper Jordon Pickford made vital saves while Mac Allister sent a header off the post as Argentina attacks mounted.
The defending champions will take on European champion Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the team proved its collectiveness, brotherhood, and fight to the very end. England lost in the World Cup semifinals for the third time after losses to Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018. England also led 1-0 against Italy in the European Championship final in 2021 and lost on penalties. 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.