ATLANTA — Argentina advanced to its second consecutive World Cup final Wednesday, scoring two goals in the closing minutes to overcome England 2-1 in a tense, physical semifinal that was scoreless for most of the match.

Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez headed in the winner in stoppage time to complete the comeback. Lionel Messi assisted on both goals, extending his influence on a tournament in which the 39-year-old continues to be one of the most decisive players on the field.

Argentina will now attempt to become the first team in more than six decades to win back-to-back World Cup titles when it faces Spain in Sunday's final. Brazil was the last team to repeat as champion, winning in 1958 and 1962 behind Pelé.

The match began cautiously, with both teams more focused on physical contact than offense. Argentina and England did not register a single shot in the first 30 minutes, a stretch of shotless play that had not been seen at a World Cup since 1966, the earliest tournament for which reliable shot statistics exist. By halftime, the two sides had combined for 19 fouls and zero shots on goal.

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon volleyed home a goal off a long cross from Morgan Rogers, giving the Three Lions a 1-0 lead and their first shot on target of the match. But rather than push for a second goal, England........

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