ATLANTA: Lionel Messi inspired a stunning late comeback as Argentina overcame 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 following Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, Argentina staged a relentless late siege and got their reward as Fernandez equalized before Martinez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute with Messi providing the pass for the equalizer and the cross for the winner.
The result added another unforgettable chapter to one of football’s fiercest rivalries, a competition rich in history, emotion and tension from the opening whistle.
For England, dreams of a first World Cup final since 1966, when they claimed their only triumph in the global tournament, were dashed in the closing stages, while Argentina celebrated a comeback that kept their quest for another world title alive.
With England inexplicably parked in their own half, Argentina’s equalizer looked 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 area to fire 20 yards past Jordan Pickford in the corner.
Martinez, an 81st-minute substitute, scored the winner early in added time when Alexis Mac Allister fired a shot off the post that Messi collected. The 39-year-old talisman rolled down the right to send a brilliant ball home for Martinez to head home.
The victory held special significance for Messi, 39, who was making what is widely considered to be the final World Cup appearance of his illustrious career.
For England, the defeat was a devastating blow after facing 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 far post to guide Rogers’ cross with his instep past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sparking chaos among England players and fans.
But Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to withstand a relentless late onslaught as Argentina turned the game around.
