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Messi's Argentina stun England in comeback to reach World Cup final

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Argentina's forward Lautaro Martinez celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup semi-final vs England at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 15, 2026. (Thomas COEX / AFP)

Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain.

England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time in the semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.

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