Lautaro Martinez heads in from close range after Messi recovers the ball and fires over a devastating cross that the substitute powers home. — FIFA photo Argentina do it again. The defending champions staged a breathtaking rally late for 2-1 win over England at Atlanta on Wednesday to confirm their final berth against Spain on July 20.
In the second semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Argentina came from behind to reach their second World Cup final in a row.
After outlasting Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time, and completing an improbable comeback against Egypt, England was subjected to the same stunning fate. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England. But Lionel Messi delivered two assists in the final 15 minutes, one on an Enzo Fernández long shot and the other resulting in a Lautaro Martínez header to help Argentina escape.
For Argentina, it hasn't been pretty, but it's been inevitable as the World Cup title defence continued. England's 60-year drought prolonged.
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