Atlanta, July 16 (V7N) — Argentina produced yet another astonishing comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain in New Jersey on July 19.

If there is one word to describe Argentina's latest triumph, it is resilience. Once again, Lionel Scaloni's side proved why they are regarded as one of the mentally strongest teams in world football.

England appeared destined for the final after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute. The advantage remained intact until the 85th minute, when Argentina launched a remarkable late revival.

Enzo Fernández restored parity with a stunning long-range strike from outside the penalty area, firing a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after a cleverly worked corner routine involving Lionel Messi.

Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martínez completed the turnaround. Messi delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Martínez powered home a header to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory, breaking English hearts and sending Argentina into another World Cup final.

Martínez had only entered the match in the 81st minute, replacing left-back Nicolás Tagliafico as Argentina pushed desperately for an equaliser. The tactical switch proved decisive, with the Inter Milan striker emerging as the match winner.

The victory carried none of the controversy that surrounded Argentina's earlier comeback win over Egypt in Atlanta, when they recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2. This time, there was no room for debate—only admiration for another extraordinary display of determination.

Argentina had trailed until the closing stages but refused to surrender, continuing a pattern that has defined their knockout-stage campaign. Their ability to recover from adversity has become one of the team's defining characteristics throughout the tournament.

The first half was fiercely contested but produced few clear-cut opportunities. Physical challenges, frequent stoppages and heated exchanges disrupted the rhythm of the match, preventing either side from establishing sustained attacking momentum.

England's first real chance came after the half-hour mark when John Stones headed wide. Argentina threatened through Enzo Fernández, whose powerful long-range effort narrowly missed the top-right corner, while Messi also tested England from distance. Despite increasing the pressure after the first hydration break, Argentina were unable to break the deadlock before half-time.

Argentina began the second half brightly, but it was England who struck first.

In the 55th minute, Declan Rice found Morgan Rogers on the right flank. Rogers delivered an accurate cross towards the far post, where Anthony Gordon timed his run perfectly, slipped behind Nahuel Molina and calmly guided the ball past Emiliano Martínez.

The goal marked England's 14th of the tournament, setting a new national record for goals scored in a single FIFA World Cup, surpassing the previous mark of 13 set at the 2022 tournament.

Argentina responded immediately, launching wave after wave of attacks. Pickford produced a series of outstanding saves to keep England in front as long as possible, but the pressure eventually told.

The equaliser arrived in the 85th minute. Following a short corner, Messi rolled the ball back to Enzo Fernández outside the area. Having already attempted four shots in the match—including one brilliantly saved by Pickford moments earlier—Fernández made no mistake this time, unleashing an unstoppable drive into the net to make it 1-1.

With momentum firmly on Argentina's side, Messi provided one final moment of brilliance deep into added time. His precise cross found Lautaro Martínez, whose powerful header completed one of the tournament's most dramatic comebacks.

The victory also maintained Argentina's remarkable record in World Cup semi-finals. La Albiceleste have now won six consecutive World Cup semi-finals, extending a streak that underlines their pedigree on football's biggest stage.

Argentina will now meet reigning European champions Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19, in what promises to be another epic showdown for football's biggest prize.

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