Lionel Messi set up two late goals as Argentina snatched a 2-1 semifinal win over England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, advancing to the World Cup final on July 19 against Spain. Messi acknowledged the victory held special significance for fans due to the historic rivalry.

The rivalry includes Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" in 1986, David Beckham's red card in 1998, and the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict. After Anthony Gordon gave England an early second-half lead, Enzo Fernández equalized with a long-range strike and substitute Lautaro Martínez headed the winner in stoppage time.

"This team never stops trying," Messi said. Martínez, who entered in the 81st minute, called it "incredible what we've achieved." Players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falkland Islands are Argentinian), prompting FIFA to review potential rule violations for political messaging.