Argentina Stun England to Set Up World Cup Final Clash with Spain
Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to edge past England 2-1 and book their place in Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will face European champions Spain at MetLife Stadium.
Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martínez struck in the final five minutes to overturn England’s second-half lead, silencing the Three Lions’ faithful inside Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Spain had secured their final berth 24 hours earlier with a commanding 2-0 victory over France at Dallas Stadium, setting up a mouth-watering showdown between the world’s top two ranked sides.
Gordon Strike Gives England Hope
After a goalless first half, England broke the deadlock ten minutes after the restart when Anthony Gordon converted Morgan Rogers’ cross from close range.
But Thomas Tuchel’s men retreated into a defensive shell to protect their slender advantage, inviting relentless Argentine pressure that their rearguard repelled until the 85th minute.
Messi Masterclass Turns the Tide
Lionel Messi, orchestrating proceedings from midfield, picked out Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box, and the Chelsea midfielder fired a low drive beyond Jordan Pickford to restore parity.
With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Messi again proved the architect, delivering a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martínez – who had replaced Julián Álvarez moments earlier – to power a header past the England goalkeeper, sparking delirious scenes among the Argentine contingent.
Third-Place Play-off Looms
England must now regroup for Saturday’s third-place match against France at Miami Stadium, while Argentina set their sights on a third world crown.
The final at MetLife Stadium promises a compelling contest between the defending champions and a Spanish side seeking to add world glory to their European triumph.
