Messi Inspires Late Argentina Comeback to End England's World Cup Dream

Argentina beat England 2–1 at Atlanta Stadium to reach a second consecutive World Cup final and set up Sunday's showdown with Spain in New Jersey. Anthony Gordon swept Morgan Rogers' low cross into the corner on 55 minutes to give Thomas Tuchel's side a lead to defend, but Enzo Fernández levelled with a thunderbolt from Lionel Messi's short-corner lay-off five minutes from time.

Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before Messi recycled the danger with a right-foot cross that Lautaro Martínez headed in at the far post in the second minute of stoppage time. Argentina finished with 64% possession, 15 shots and five on target to England's five and two; Elliot Anderson was booked on 37 minutes while Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero and Rodrigo De Paul saw yellow for the holders.

Argentina advance to face Spain on Sunday — a repeat of the 2022 Qatar final that La Albiceleste won on penalties. England's 60-year wait for a World Cup final goes on after another semi-final heartbreak against their old rivals, with Lionel Messi named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match at 39 years and 21 days — the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup semi-final.