​July 15 (UPI) — Lionel Messi assisted two late scores to spark a historic rally past England, leading Argentina back to the World Cup Final on Wednesday in Atlanta.The top-ranked Argentines trailed 1-0 until the 85th minute of the tense semifinal meeting with their rivals at Atlanta Stadium. Enzo Fernandez logged a long-distance equalizer to keep the reigning champions alive. Lautaro Martinez, an 80th-minute substitute, netted the game-winning goal in stoppage time.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”This is really powerful,” Martinez said on the Fox broadcast. “From the first time my old man bough me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal.”With the victory, the Argentines became the first team in history to score multiple winning goals in second-half stoppage time in a single World Cup. The reigning champions will face No. 2 Spain in the finale Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.”It’s an incredible achievement to go to back-to-back finals in World Cups,” Argentina goalie Emiliano Martinez said. “We just need to enjoy this moment and prepare for the final.”Argentina’s Lautaro Martínez (22) scores a goal against England in the second half of a 2026 FiFA World Cup semifinal Wednesday in Atlanta. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPINeither team netted a goal through an intense first half, which featured physical play and several close chances. The crowd of nearly 70,000 bathed the field in chants, attempting to drown the tones of their foes.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMessi frolicked in the gaps, dribbling around Three Lions defenders, who were often forced to foul the soccer sensation to prohibit attacks.Argentina’s Enzo Fernández (R) scores a goal against England in the second half of a 2026 FiFA World Cup semifinal Wednesday in Atlanta. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIAnthony Gordon finally started the scoring when he converted off an assist from fellow Three Lions winger Morgan Rogers in the 55th minute.Forward Harry Kane triggered that score when he dropped deep and fired a long feed down the right flank for Rogers. The pass was intercepted, but eventually reached Rogers, who fired a cross from outside the box. The ball dropped right in front of the goal for Gordon, who used his first touch to beat Martinez between the pipes.Argentina’s Enzo Fernández celebrates after scoring a goal against England in the second half of a 2026 FiFA World Cup semifinal Wednesday in Atlanta. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIThe No. 4 Three Lions defense initially held off Argentina’s responses. Messi sent a cross to forward Nico Gonzalez on one of those attempts, but goalie Jordan Pickford spoiled his header with a save to his right in the 69th minute.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMidfielder Alexi Mac Allister hit the left post during another equalizer attempt in the 76th minute. The Argentines finally tied the score about 15 minutes later. Messi first dribbled near the right side of the box and released a pass to Fernandez. The