Photos: Messi’s Argentina stun England to reach World Cup final vs Spain
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi setting up two late goals to secure a comeback victory. The win advances Argentina to the final against Spain, where Messi will become only the second player to appear in three World Cup finals.
Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to eliminate England from the World Cup in Wednesday's semifinal, played before 68,239 fans in Atlanta. England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute and appeared positioned to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. However, Argentina's response proved decisive. Messi orchestrated the turnaround, first assisting Enzo Fernandez's equalizer in the 85th minute, then crossing for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head in the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time. The victory sets up a final matchup against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. With this appearance, Messi joins Brazilian legend Cafu as only the second player to reach three World Cup finals. The result marks the culmination of the first 48-team World Cup format, which will conclude with a showdown between the reigning champions of South America and Europe. No team has successfully retained the World Cup since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962.
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