Lionel Messi. Photo: Reuters
The first half ended scoreless, despite the fast pace of the game and numerous one-on-one battles.
The scoring opened in the 55th minute: England forward Anthony Gordon put his team ahead. However, the English were unable to hold onto their lead.
With five minutes remaining in regulation, midfielder Enzo Fernández equalized after a pass from Lionel Messi, and in stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martínez secured the victory for Argentina. Messi once again recorded the assist.
Thanks to this victory, the reigning world champions have kept their chances of defending their title alive.
Argentina and Spainwill face off in the final
The victory sent Argentina to the World Cup final, where they will face Spain, which previously defeated France. The final will take place on July 19 at the stadium in East Rutherford (New Jersey, USA).
England will play France in the third-place match.
The semifinal between England and Argentina traditionally drew a lot of attention due to the long-standing sporting rivalry between the two teams. For 39-year-old Lionel Messi, this match marked another step toward a possible second consecutive World Cup title with the national team.
Argentina also remains in contention to become the first team in several decades to successfully defend its World Cup title. The last team to do so was Brazil in 1962, following its victory in 1958.
