Enzo Fernández equalised with a superb strike in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez struck the winner deep into stoppage time, sending the defending champions through to defend their title. Anthony Gordon had given England a deserved lead shortly after the interval.
The victory extends Argentina's remarkable run under Lionel Scaloni and keeps alive their bid to become just the third team in history to retain the World Cup crown. For England, it marks another agonising semi-final exit, with Thomas Tuchel's side now facing France in Saturday's third-place play-off.
Argentina Turn the Tide After Gordon Opener
The first half was a tense, cagey affair with few clear-cut chances, as both sides probed cautiously in the Georgia heat. England, buoyed by a solid defensive display, grew into the game after the break. Morgan Rogers delivered a pinpoint cross in the 55th minute, allowing Gordon to smash home from close range and give the Three Lions a deserved lead.
Argentina responded with increasing urgency. Alexis Mac Allister saw a powerful header crash against the inside of the post, while England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was forced into several key saves. Yet it was Fernández who provided the moment of quality, curling a brilliant effort from distance past Pickford to level the scores with five minutes remaining.
The drama was not over. In the second minute of added time, Lionel Messi – who had been relatively quiet by his standards but produced two moments of magic – delivered a delicate chipped cross. Fernández nodded the ball down for Martínez, who finished clinically to spark wild celebrations among the Argentine contingent.
Historical Rivalry Renewed in High Stakes Encounter
This was the latest chapter in one of football's most storied rivalries, with political undertones never far from the surface. Argentina now lead the World Cup head-to-head record between the nations 3-3, following previous encounters including the infamous 1986 quarter-final and the 1998 last-16 clash.
England started brightly under Tuchel, with players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane showing flashes of their quality. However, critics have pointed to conservative tactical choices after taking the lead, as Argentina dominated possession and created the clearer opportunities overall. Argentina registered significantly higher expected goals, underscoring their superiority in the latter stages.
Messi and Co March On
Messi, though not at his explosive best, once again demonstrated his enduring influence with key assists in the comeback. Lautaro Martínez described his winner as an emotional high point, fulfilling childhood dreams. Captain Harry Kane expressed deep disappointment for England, acknowledging they had "given everything" but fallen short at the crucial moment.
Post-match, some Argentina players reportedly displayed a banner referencing the Falklands/Malvinas dispute, drawing attention amid the on-pitch drama.
Argentina will now face Spain in what promises to be a mouth-watering final between two continental champions. England, meanwhile, must regroup quickly for the bronze medal match, hoping to end their campaign on a positive note after a tournament that once again highlighted both their potential and familiar late-stage frailties.
The semi-final victory caps another resilient display from Scaloni's side, who have made a habit of late comebacks throughout this World Cup. For England, the wait for a first major trophy since 1966 continues.