Overview
- Argentina overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday night after Enzo Fernández equalised and Lautaro Martínez headed home a stoppage-time winner from a Lionel Messi cross.
- Messi provided both late assists that produced the goals and described the run to consecutive finals as proof the team’s success has been earned rather than granted.
- The captain rejected claims of referee favouritism that surfaced during the tournament while opponents including Egypt and Switzerland formally and publicly criticised VAR or refereeing decisions.
- Messi paid tribute to Diego Maradona after the win and admitted he is feeling very tired at 39, raising questions about his future beyond this World Cup.
- The result sends Argentina to Sunday’s final in New Jersey against Spain as they pursue back-to-back World Cup titles and extend a run of late comebacks that has defined their knockout campaign.