Argentina rallies past bitter rival England to book spot in World Cup final
Defending World Cup champion Argentina rallied to edge England 2-1 to advance to Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face Spain.
In a chippy, tense matchup that was less about free-flowing soccer and more a war of attrition, a 55th-minute moment of brilliance from left winger Anthony Gordon, who chipped in a cross from Morgan Rogers, gave England the lead.
But as they have so many times in this tournament, La Albiceleste mounted a comeback, first thanks to a stunning 85th-minute strike from just outside the penalty area by midfielder Enzo Fernandez, then a stoppage-time header from substitute Lautaro Martinez, assisted by none other than legendary striker Lionel Messi, to permanently give Argentina the lead.
Messi is seeking to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title. His eight goals remain tied for the most in this tournament. The 39-year-old is one of only two players, the other being Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, to play in six men's World Cups.
The Three Lions were seeking their first World Cup title since 1966. Their intercontinental rivalry with Argentina carries a lot of history, most notably Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal that helped Argentina bounce England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal.
Argentina will face Spain on Sunday, which beat favorites France 2-0 on Tuesday. England will play France on Saturday for third place.