On a sweltering Atlanta evening, the reigning World Cup champions found themselves staring at elimination with only minutes remaining. Then Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, orchestrated a stunning reversal that not only shattered England's dreams but also kept Argentina's hopes of achieving something no team has done in over six decades. Main Developments Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winner in the 92nd minute. The victory sets up a final against European champions Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. England had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who finished a low cross from Morgan Rogers at the back post. Argentina responded with relentless pressure, hitting the post twice through Alexis Mac Allister before finally breaking through. Read also: ICC Format Overhaul Could Add India-Pakistan Showdown Messi set up Enzo Fernandez for the 85th-minute equalizer, then delivered an exquisite cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner in stoppage time. The goals sparked chaotic celebrations among Argentina's players and left England's squad slumped on the turf at full-time. Background The Argentina-England rivalry on the World Cup stage has produced several legendary encounters, most notably Diego Maradona's iconic performance in 1986. This latest chapter echoed that history, though the comeback came from a deficit rather than a single moment of genius. No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962. Argentina now has a chance to break that 64-year drought. Messi, who led Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022, will become only the second player after Brazil's Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals. This was Messi's first competitive match against England at age 39. The semi-final also marked the first time he will face Spain in a competitive fixture, adding another layer to Argentina's title defense. Why It Matters For England, the defeat represents a crushing missed opportunity. The team was seeking its first World Cup final appearance since winning the tournament in 1966. After Anthony Gordon's opener, England appeared to sit back, a tactical decision they will likely regret given the outcome. Key players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who had been instrumental throughout the campaign, failed to deliver when it mattered most. England now heads to Miami to face France in Saturday's third-place play-off, a match neither team typically wants to contest. Argentina's comeback also highlighted the depth of their squad. The same stadium witnessed their stunning 2-0 comeback against Egypt in the round of 16, and the team proved capable of repeating that resilience against a top opponent. What's Next Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. The match pits the reigning champions of South America against the reigning champions of Europe in the first 48-team World Cup's climax. England must regroup for the third-place play-off against France on Saturday in Miami. The fixture offers little consolation after coming so close to a final appearance, but it remains an official World Cup match with bronze medals at stake.