ATLANTA, USA — Defending global champions Argentina staged a breathtaking late recovery to sink fierce rivals England 2-1 in a classic encounter at the Atlanta Stadium, booking their spot in the Sunday showdown against Spain in New York New Jersey.
For the first 45 minutes, it was an incredibly tactical, cagey affair with tempers flaring frequently under the heavy pressure. The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when England’s Morgan Rogers drove a precise low cross across the box, enabling Anthony Gordon to ghost past the defense and slide the ball beyond Emiliano Martínez.
With England retreating deep to defend their lead, manager Lionel Scaloni rolled the dice, deploying tactical substitutions that shifted the momentum entirely.
The relentless Albiceleste pressure finally cracked the English wall in the 85th minute. Following a short-corner sequence, Lionel Messi intelligently fed Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a magnificent curler from outside the box that ripped past Jordan Pickford.
As the game looked destined for extra time, the ultimate drama unfolded in the 92nd minute. Messi, operating down the right flank, floated a pin-point, delicate cross into the box. Super-sub Lautaro Martínez stole between the English center-backs and powered home a dramatic header, sending the Argentine fans into pure ecstasy and crushing English dreams of a first final appearance in 60 years.
Key Statistics
Possession: Argentina 64% – 36% England
Shots on Goal: Argentina 14 – 6 England
Corner Kicks: Argentina 6 – 1 England
