Argentina beat England 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday after Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd-minute winner to send the defending champions into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, converting Morgan Rogers’ low cross in front of 68,239 spectators.
Lionel Messi created Argentina’s equaliser five minutes from time. Enzo Fernandez controlled his pass near the penalty area and fired beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Messi then delivered the decisive cross in the second minute of stoppage time. Substitute Lautaro Martinez headed it into the net after England failed to clear.
Argentina had increased the pressure before the goals. Pickford saved a Nico Gonzalez header, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post twice during the second half.
England had defended its lead after Gordon’s goal but could not withstand Argentina’s late attacks. Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane were unable to extend England’s advantage.
Argentina will face European champions Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. The defending champions are seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
Read: Spain Beat France 2-0 to Reach The 2026 World Cup Final
Messi, 39, will become the second player after Brazil’s Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals.
England will play France in the third-place playoff in Miami on Saturday.
