Argentina beat England 2-1 in World Cup semi, set Spain final for Messi

World Cup holders Argentina fought back to defeat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal, with Lautaro Martinez heading home in the 92nd minute to seal the win under Lionel Messi’s leadership and book a final against European champions Spain.

England looked set for a first World Cup final appearance since 1966 when Anthony Gordon put them in front 10 minutes after the restart before 68,239 spectators in Atlanta.

These sides have shared a heated World Cup history filled with unforgettable matches, and Argentine fans will long celebrate this night after two late strikes shut England out of the final.

Messi supplied the pass that allowed Enzo Fernandez to finish for the 85th-minute equaliser. Moments later, with extra time approaching, Messi delivered a cross that substitute Lautaro Martinez nodded in during the second minute of added time.

Brazil in 1962 was the last side to successfully defend the trophy. Messi is now set to become only the second footballer — following Brazilian icon Cafu — to play in three World Cup finals.

Sunday’s decider is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, closing the first 48-nation World Cup with a clash between the title holders of Europe and South America.