It's now official: England will not be playing in Sunday's FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey against Spain. Instead, Lionel Messi and company will feature in their second consecutive World Cup final as they bid to successfully defend football's most coveted trophy.
The defending champions came into the match with intensity, while tensions had already spilled into the stands as Argentina and England fans clashed before kick-off. Despite the charged atmosphere, the first half was cagey, with both teams heading into the break goalless.
England broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Anthony Gordon tapped home from a Morgan Rogers cross to give the Three Lions the lead. However, Argentina responded by taking control of the game, repeatedly testing England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Rodrigo De Paul came close to equalising in the 74th minute, striking the post from a Giuliano Simeone cross. It was another warning sign as England struggled to contain the relentless Argentine pressure, surviving while being outplayed, outgunned and outsmarted.
Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández curled a stunning effort into the net from a Lionel Messi short corner. It was a spectacular strike worthy of endless replays and the reward for Argentina after seven attempts on goal.
Alexis Mac Allister then hit the post in the 89th minute, but Messi reacted quickest to collect the rebound before squaring the ball for second-half substitute Lautaro Martínez. The Inter Milan captain calmly slotted home Argentina's winner, scoring his second goal of the tournament.
Referee Ismail Elfath added nine minutes of stoppage time. England manager Thomas Tuchel responded by introducing Ivan Toney for his first appearance of the tournament, replacing Djed Spence, while Marcus Rashford came on for John Stones in a desperate attacking gamble. The changes, however, proved ineffective as the American referee blew the final whistle in the 99th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Argentines and heartbreak for England.
The result levels the two nations' FIFA World Cup head-to-head record at three wins each since their first meeting at the 1962 tournament in Chile. Argentina now march into Sunday's World Cup final against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, while for England, the wait goes on.
Once again, it's not coming home.