The feisty nature of the latest instalment of this historical World Cup rivalry was apparent from the off, with seven fouls already committed by the 10-minute mark.
Neither side had really attempted to push forward before that point, and as that trend continued, there was a sense that Argentina would benefit most from the stop-start play.
But some tricky running from Jude Bellingham led to a free-kick which John Stones nodded just wide, outlining England’s intentions to forge ahead prior to half-time.
It was actually Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez who went closest before the break with a powerful effort which sailed just over, though the first half’s tally of three total shots was never likely to see a side leading at the interval.
Julian Alvarez changed that almost immediately after the restart, testing Jordan Pickford at his near post, but it was the red and white section of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium which erupted to greet the eventual opener on 55’.
Declan Rice released Morgan Rogers down the right, who swung a perfect cross to the far post for Anthony Gordon to peel away and guide home from close range.
Going behind for just the second time in World Cup action since their group-stage loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022 gave Argentina more urgency, and Pickford was required to show lightning reflexes to prevent Nicolas Gonzalez from nodding in Lionel Messi’s cross.
Alexis Mac Allister then thumped against the post from Rodrigo De Paul’s delivery, reigniting the Argentina faithful and their side’s hopes of an equaliser.
Fernandez set his sights with a long-range shot which was tipped over by Pickford, before receiving it again from the resulting corner and burying his finish into the far corner from outside the area.
There was some inevitability about what followed, as Argentina continued to dominate and crushed England in the final moments.
Mac Allister had just hit the post again before Messi swung the ball in for an unmarked Lautaro Martinez to nod into the open net. England couldn’t respond, and were devastated to fall at the penultimate hurdle for the third time since they last won the World Cup.
They will now meet France in Miami rather than heading to a third major tournament final in five years, while Lionel Scaloni will look to become just the second manager to win multiple WCs at the showpiece final in New York - their first meeting with Spain in this competition since 1966.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lionel Messi (Argentina)