Argentina Defeats England 2-1 in World Cup Semifinal

Argentina scored twice in the final nine minutes to overcome a one-goal deficit and defeat England 2-1 in a World Cup semifinal on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The match appeared headed toward an England victory after Anthony Gordon scored early in the second half.

Enzo Fernández equalized with a long-range strike after Messi set up the play, and Lautaro Martínez headed in the winner in stoppage time from a cross by the Argentina captain. Messi said the victory carried extra weight for supporters because of the teams' history.

"The fans wanted this victory more than any other, because of what it means to face England in a semifinal and reach another World Cup final," he said.

Martínez entered in the 81st minute with his team trailing.

Fernández scored four minutes later, and Martínez added the decisive goal in the second minute of added time. Martínez said the team maintained possession after the equalizer and benefited from fan support. "When the floodgates opened, with our support and the encouragement of the fans, everything became easier," he said.

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's final. Spain has conceded one goal in seven tournament matches. Argentina players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" after the match. FIFA has not responded to questions about whether it will take action over the political message, which its rules prohibit.