Messi-inspired Argentina beat England late to set up a final against Spain
What happened
Argentina reached the World Cup final with a dramatic late comeback, beating England 2-1 in the semi-final in Atlanta on July 15. Anthony Gordon had put England ahead just before the hour, but Enzo Fernández levelled with a long-range strike in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez headed a stoppage-time winner, both goals created by Lionel Messi, according to ESPN.
The result sends the holders into a final against Spain on July 19 and, per NPR, moved Messi to the top of the Golden Boot standings, level with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals but ahead on assists.
Why it matters
For Argentina, it keeps alive the prospect of back-to-back world titles and carries Messi to another final in what is widely expected to be his last World Cup. His two assists, both delivered when the tie looked to be slipping away, underlined his hold over a tournament he has shaped from start to finish.
For England, it is another agonising near-miss, Thomas Tuchel's side undone in the closing stages after leading and denied a first World Cup final since 1966.
Context
Argentina's late escape followed a pattern set earlier in the knockouts, having also recovered from two goals down against Egypt and needed extra time to see off Cabo Verde and Switzerland. England had looked in control after Gordon finished Morgan Rogers' cross, only to be overwhelmed by Argentina's late surge.
The final pairs Argentina with a Spain side that dismantled France 2-0 in the first semi-final, setting up a meeting of the reigning world champions and the European champions at MetLife Stadium.
What to watch next
The final frames a generational contrast, with Messi's Argentina facing a Spain team built around 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, and the Golden Boot race still live between Messi and the eliminated Mbappé. Argentina's recovery powers and Spain's defensive record — a tournament-best run of clean sheets — set the tactical terms. The champions' bid to retain the trophy is decided on July 19.