Led by Messi...

Argentina, the defending champions, turned the tables on England and beat them 2-1 with two late goals to reach the 2026 World Cup final in Atlanta on Wednesday.

England were on their way to reaching their second final in history after 1966 when they won their only title, having taken the lead through Anthony Gordon (55'), but Argentina did it as has become customary in their last three matches by turning the game around with goals from Enzo Fernandez (85') and substitute Lautaro Martinez (90+1') after two decisive assists from captain and all-time World Cup top scorer Lionel Messi.

Argentina, who have reached their second consecutive final and seventh overall in pursuit of their fourth title after 1978, 1986 and 2022, will face Spain in the final next Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. Spain defeated defending runners-up France 2-0 on Tuesday in Dallas.