Argentina completed a dramatic comeback against England, winning 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal to advance to the final where they will face Spain. Lionel Messi was instrumental in the victory, providing both assists for Argentina's goals.
England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon scored from a cross by Morgan Rogers. However, Argentina mounted relentless pressure following England's opener.
The equalizer came in the 85th minute. Messi set up Enzo Fernandez just outside the penalty box, and Fernandez curled a shot past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to tie the score. The momentum shifted, and in the 92nd minute, Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal off another assist from Messi. Martinez headed in a pass from Messi into an unmarked position in the penalty area, securing the victory and sending Argentina to the final.
During the match, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made several key saves, including denying Giuliano Simeone on a breakaway in the 58th minute and tipping a shot from Enzo Fernandez in the 86th minute. Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, made a crucial save in the 66th minute on Declan Rice, preventing England from extending their lead.
The first half of the semifinal was notably uneventful, with neither team registering a shot, a rare occurrence not seen in a World Cup match since 1966. This marked the first game since that year in which neither team recorded a shot in the first half.
With this win, Argentina has the opportunity to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962. The World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX.