Lautaro Martínez nets World Cup semi-winner as Argentina edge England

Lautaro Martínez delivers the dream goal in Atlanta

Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England on July 15 in Atlanta. The Inter Milan striker headed in the 92nd-minute goal after coming off the bench in the 81st minute. His strike sent Argentina to the final against Spain on July 19 in New Jersey.

What happened in the 81st to 92nd minutes

Argentina trailed 1-0 when Martínez replaced left-back Nicolás Tagliafico in stoppage time. Lionel Messi equalised in the 85th minute with an assist for Enzo Fernández. Then, in the second minute of added time, Messi swung in the cross that Martínez powered past Jordan Pickford. The goal completed a dramatic comeback at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Why Martínez’s goal matters for Argentina

Martínez admitted he had told teammates he would score. “I dreamt it,” he said after the match. “I told Alexis Mac Allister that I was going to score. And I said on the bench to Facundo Medina that I was coming on and scoring.” His mother was at work when he phoned her straight after the game.

The striker had not started a match since Argentina’s narrow win over Cape Verde in the Round of 32. He came off the bench to score in the 3-1 extra-time quarter-final win over Switzerland. Martínez also netted in the group-stage 3-1 victory over Jordan.

What comes next for Martínez and Argentina

Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey. Spain have not lost in 38 games and beat Colombia 1-0 in a March 2024 friendly. The sides last met in the 1966 World Cup group stage, when Argentina won 2-1 at Villa Park.

Martínez said his team must rest but also savour the achievement. “What we are doing is not easy,” he said. “Getting back to the final as defending champions three and a half years after winning it is huge.”