ATLANTA: Lionel Messi inspired a stunning late comeback as Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, booking a place in the World Cup final with two goals in the final seven minutes.
Just when England looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, Argentina mounted a relentless late siege and got their reward when Fernandez equalized before Martinez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute, Messi providing the equalizer and crossing for the winner.
The result added another unforgettable chapter to one of football’s fiercest rivalries, a contest rich in history, emotion and excitement from the opening whistle.
For England, dreams of a first World Cup final since 1966, where they enjoyed their only triumph at the global tournament, were dashed in the closing stages, while Argentina celebrated a comeback that kept alive their quest for another World Cup.
With England inexplicably parked in their own end, an Argentina equalizer 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 yards past Jordan Pickford in the corner.
Martinez, an 81st-minute substitute, hit the winner early in stoppage-time when Alexis Mac Allister drove a shot off the post that Messi met. The 39-year-old talisman raced down the right to send in a brilliant ball for Martinez to head home.
The win had particular meaning for the 39-year-old Messi, who made what is widely expected to be the last World Cup appearance of his glittering career.
For England, the defeat was a devastating blow after matching Argentina for much of the competition.
The Three Lions looked set 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 appeared at the back post to guide Rogers’ cross with his ankle past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sparking chaos among the England players and fans.
But Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to withstand a relentless late attack as Argentina turned the game on its head.
