Argentina stun England with late double to book World Cup final berth

Argentina booked its World Cup final berth after a late double to defeat England 2–1 at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, and will face Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. England struggled defensively after falling behind, with the match featuring 19 total fouls and no shots on target for the first half until later stages. Argentina’s goals arrived in the 85th and 92nd minutes, turning a near-miss into a decisive advance for the seven-time finalists. Lionel Messi, 39, attempted one shot and largely watched from near the pitch after Enzo Fernandez changed the outcome moments earlier. Fernandez scored in the 85th, then Martinez completed the comeback seven minutes later after a Messi pass. England’s Thomas Tuchel said the team went “passive,” while Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, plus a record 12 career assists.