Argentina overturned a 2-1 deficit against England in a closely contested semi-final. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for the Three Lions in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández equalized five minutes from time before Lautaro Martínez secured the victory for the Albiceleste in stoppage time. Lionel Messi provided both assists for Argentina's goals. The reigning world champions, Argentina, will face Spain in the final.
A tight and very physical first period
The match began at a disjointed pace. Both teams engaged in numerous duels and committed several fouls, without managing to establish a sustained attack in the opposition's half. England remained cautious, primarily focused on closing down space in front of their penalty area. Argentina retained possession more, but struggled to find Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez in good positions. Chances were scarce. Neither team registered a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes, combining for only three attempts. The number of fouls reached 19 before halftime. In the 38th minute, Lionel Messi took a long-range free kick. Harry Kane positioned himself to intercept and deflect the ball. Enzo Fernández collected the rebound at the edge of the box and immediately unleashed a right-footed shot. His effort went narrowly wide of Jordan Pickford's goal. The halftime whistle blew with the score at 0-0. Argentina has two shots to England's one, but neither team is really able to put the opposing goalkeeper in danger.
Julián Álvarez is twice denied by Pickford
Argentina returned from the dressing room with renewed attacking aggression. In the 47th minute, Julián Álvarez received the ball on the right side of the English penalty area. The striker shot with his right foot towards the near post, but Jordan Pickford made the save. Álvarez immediately collected the rebound and attempted a second shot. The English goalkeeper intervened again, keeping his team in the game. The Albiceleste pressed forward, but left more space behind them. England capitalized on this a few minutes later, opening the scoring with a swift counter-attack.
Anthony Gordon opens the scoring for England
In the 55th minute, Morgan Rogers accelerated down the right flank. He outpaced his opponent and delivered a low cross towards the far post. Anthony Gordon arrived at speed behind Nahuel Molina. The English striker met the ball with the inside of his right foot from close range, giving Emiliano Martínez no chance. England took a 1-0 lead with their first real opportunity of the second half. The Three Lions then sat back to protect their goal, while Argentina gradually increased the pressure.
Emiliano Martínez prevents England from breaking away
In the 66th minute, Declan Rice received the ball at the edge of the Argentine penalty area and unleashed a low shot with his right foot. Emiliano Martínez quickly got down and caught the ball. Harry Kane tried to continue the attack in the box, but Cristian Romero threw himself in front of him and blocked his shot. Argentina avoided conceding a second goal and immediately launched another attack back into the English half.
Pickford withstands the Argentine pressure
In the 69th minute, Lionel Messi found space on the right flank and sent in a cross. Nico González rose highest and headed the ball down, but Jordan Pickford dived on his line and made the save. Argentina continued to attack. England defended deeper and deeper, ceding possession to their opponents. In the 76th minute, another cross from the right found Alexis Mac Allister unmarked in the box. The Argentine midfielder headed the ball against the right post. Julián Álvarez pounced on the rebound and attempted a left-footed volley, but his shot went wide. England maintained their lead but were now under constant pressure from Argentina, unable to clear their lines effectively.
Enzo Fernández equalizes in the 85th minute
In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernández tried his luck from distance. His powerful shot forced Jordan Pickford into another save, tipping the ball over the crossbar. From the ensuing corner, Lionel Messi collected the ball on the right flank and laid it back to Enzo Fernández. The midfielder controlled it with his left foot, cut inside, and shot with his right. The ball took a dipping trajectory and nestled into the back of the net. Pickford was left helpless. Argentina equalized 1-1 with five minutes of regulation time remaining. The Albiceleste didn't let up after this goal. They continued to attack to avoid extra time, while England tried to hold on until the final whistle.
Mac Allister hits the post again
In the 90th minute, Alexis Mac Allister collected the ball far from goal and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. Pickford was beaten, but the ball struck the left post. England were saved a second time by their woodwork. Argentina's pressure, however, remained constant in added time.
Lautaro Martínez sends Argentina to the final
In the 92nd minute, Lionel Messi received the ball on the right flank, near the English penalty area. The Argentine captain looked up and delivered a precise cross to the far post. Lautaro Martínez took his run-up, outjumped his defender, and headed the ball powerfully home. Jordan Pickford had no chance. The ball nestled into the back of the net, and Argentina took a 2-1 lead in the dying seconds. The Argentine players celebrated the goal with their fans, while the English realized the final had just slipped away. England tried to respond in the final moments but were unable to create any further chances.
Lionel Messi was decisive in both goals.
Lionel Messi didn't score, but he played a pivotal role in the comeback. He set up Enzo Fernández for the equalizer, then delivered a perfect cross for Lautaro Martínez to head home the winning goal. Long held at bay by the English defense and Jordan Pickford, Argentina made the difference in the final minutes thanks to their relentless pressure. England exit the competition after leading for 30 minutes. Pickford's saves and two shots off the post by Mac Allister kept them in the game for a long time, but the Three Lions eventually succumbed.
An Argentina-Spain final for the world title
Argentina still has a chance to defend its World Cup title. The Albiceleste reached the final after defeating England in a thrilling match. On Sunday evening, they will face Spain, who eliminated France in the first semi-final. A final match will now decide the new world champion.
