Defending champions Argentina are through to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1, with Lautaro Martinez scoring a stoppage-time winner.

England looked set for a place in their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead early in the second half. But Argentina turned the game around in the closing minutes as Lionel Messi created the equaliser for Enzo Fernandez before delivering another pinpoint cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner in the 92nd minute.

The victory sends Argentina into a blockbuster final against European champions Spain and keeps alive the country’s bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

The match also marks another milestone for Messi, who will become only the second player in history, after Brazilian legend Cafu, to feature in three FIFA World Cup finals.

Reacting after the match, Messi described the comeback as a “special” victory, saying defeating England made the achievement even more memorable because of the history between both nations.