Martinez late show sends Argentina into World Cup final, England going home
Defending champions come from behind again, stay on target to become first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil
Argentina came from behind yet again and beat England 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday, and reached the final of the World Cup for the second successive tournament.
The defending champions will take on Spain as they look to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil won in 1958 and 1962.
Anthony Gordon had put England ahead in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernandez equalised 30 minutes later and Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner in stoppage time from Lionel Messi’s cross.
The final will take place at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday in New Jersey, as the first 48-team World Cup boils down to a confrontation between the reigning champions of Europe and South America.
Messi had waited until the age of 39 to get the chance to play against England, and now he will face Spain for the first time in a competitive game.
His career appeared to be complete when he dragged Argentina to glory in 2022 in Qatar, but he is clearly not done yet.