Holders Argentina beat England 2-1 to set up World Cup final against Spain

Argentina staged a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in a tense World Cup semi-final, securing their place in the final against Spain. The reigning champions, led by Lionel Messi, found themselves trailing after Anthony Gordon scored for England in the 55th minute.

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Just when England appeared set for victory after Anthony Gordon's second-half goal, Argentina mounted a relentless late siege and got their reward as Fernandez levelled before Martinez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute with Messi providing the pass for the equaliser and the cross for the winner.

However, Argentina mounted relentless pressure in the closing stages. Enzo Fernandez leveled the score in the 85th minute, finding the net from 20 meters after a pass from Messi. The turnaround was completed in the 92nd minute when Lautaro Martinez headed home a cross from Messi, sealing a dramatic victory.

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With England inexplicably parked in their own end, an Argentina equaliser felt inevitable and, after waves of late pressure, Fernandez finally broke through in the 85th minute when Messi found him in space on the edge of the box to fire home from 20 metres past Jordan Pickford into the corner.

The result denies England a chance to reach their first World Cup final since their solitary triumph in 1966. For Argentina, the win keeps alive their hopes of securing another world title, a quest particularly significant for the 39-year-old Messi, who is widely expected to be making his last World Cup appearance.

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Martinez, an 81st-minute substitute, struck the winner early in added time when Alexis Mac Allister drove a shot off the post that Messi recovered. The 39-year-old talisman drove down the right to send in a brilliant ball for Martinez to head home.

England had appeared poised for victory after Gordon's goal, which came after a defensive clearance by Nicolas Tagliafico fell to Declan Rice, who then set up Morgan Rogers. Gordon finished Rogers' cross past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Despite matching Argentina for much of the game, Thomas Tuchel's side ultimately could not withstand the late onslaught.

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The Three Lions had appeared poised for victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Nicolas Tagliafico's attempted clearance landed at the feet of Declan Rice, who sent a through ball to Morgan Rogers. Gordon popped up at the back post to guide Rogers' cross with his instep past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sparking bedlam among the England players and fans.