Lautaro's late winner sinks England and sends Messi-inspired Argentina into World Cup final

Full Time: Argentina 2-1 England Defending champions Argentina are one win away from back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles after Lautaro Martinez's dramatic stoppage-time header sealed a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England in Wednesday's semi-final in Atlanta. Martinez struck in the second minute of added time, powering home Lionel Messi's inch-perfect cross to cap another unforgettable night for La Albiceleste and book a blockbuster final against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. England had looked on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel's side the lead early in the second half, only for Enzo Fernandez to produce a stunning long-range equaliser before Martinez delivered the decisive blow in the dying moments. For Argentina, it was becoming a familiar script. It marked the fourth consecutive knockout match in which Lionel Scaloni's side found a winning goal in stoppage time or extra time, underlining the resilience and championship mentality that has defined their title defence. They needed extra time to overcome Cabo Verde and Switzerland, a late winner to edge Egypt, and now another dramatic finish to deny England a place in the final. Once again, when the pressure was greatest, Messi provided the decisive moment. The Argentina captain first teed up Fernandez for the equaliser before delivering the cross that Martinez headed beyond Jordan Pickford, keeping alive his dream of captaining Argentina to successive World Cup triumphs. The eagerly anticipated semi-final began with the intensity expected of one of football's greatest rivalries. Tempers flared almost immediately as Leandro Paredes bundled Jude Bellingham to the ground before Fernandez and Elliot Anderson became involved in a robust challenge. Bellingham was later penalised for a late tackle on Alexis Mac Allister as neither side showed any intention of giving an inch. The physical nature of the contest came at the expense of clear-cut chances. England created the first meaningful opportunity after 33 minutes when Declan Rice floated a clever free-kick to the back post, but John Stones could only direct his header wide. Argentina gradually began to settle. Messi, closely marshalled throughout the opening half, dropped deeper in search of possession and almost created the breakthrough, while Fernandez curled an ambitious effort narrowly over the crossbar after England failed to clear their lines. The opening period ended goalless, but the game burst into life after the restart. Argentina emerged with renewed urgency and nearly took the lead within minutes. Julián Álvarez twice tested Pickford, first with a powerful effort that the England goalkeeper pushed away before firing into the side netting from a tight angle. Instead, it was England who struck first. In the 55th minute, Harry Kane sparked a flowing move with a dangerous delivery into the area. Argentina failed to fully clear the danger and Rice reacted quickest, lifting an inviting cross towards the far post where Gordon arrived unmarked to bundle the ball beyond Emiliano Martínez and send the England supporters into celebration. The goal forced Argentina to raise the tempo. Giuliano Simeone almost responded immediately after latching onto Fernandez's superb pass, but Djed Spence produced a perfectly timed recovery tackle inside the penalty area. Moments later, Pickford produced an outstanding save to deny Nico Gonzalez after another moment of brilliance from Messi. Argentina continued to pile on the pressure. Substitute Rodrigo De Paul delivered an inviting cross that Mac Allister glanced against the post before Messi narrowly missed the target with a trademark effort from distance. Fernandez then tested Pickford with a swerving strike from nearly 30 yards, forcing the goalkeeper into a spectacular fingertip save. It proved to be only a warning. Just minutes later, Messi slipped the Chelsea midfielder into space, and Fernandez took one touch before unleashing a thunderous 25-yard drive that flew beyond Pickford into the far corner to level the scores. The momentum had completely shifted. England, so composed for much of the evening, suddenly found themselves pinned deep inside their own half as wave after wave of Argentine attacks crashed towards their goal. Mac Allister struck the woodwork for a second time with a fierce low drive before the decisive moment finally arrived. Deep into stoppage time, Messi drifted into space on the right and delivered a trademark cross towards the far post. Martinez rose above England's defenders and powered a header beyond Pickford, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentina players and thousands of their supporters inside Atlanta Stadium. The final whistle moments later confirmed another famous Argentine victory. Now, only Spain stands between Messi and another World Cup crown. Sunday's final promises to pit the defending champions against one of the tournament's most exciting young sides in a fitting conclusion to a memorable World Cup. For England, the wait for a second World Cup title goes on. For Argentina, the dream of making history remains alive.

World Cup 2026

Lautaro's late winner sinks England and sends Messi-inspired Argentina into World Cup final