Lautaro Martínez fulfilled a childhood dream in the most dramatic circumstances, heading Argentina into the World Cup final with a stoppage-time winner against England.
The Inter captain entered the semi-final in the 81st minute with Argentina trailing 1-0 and their title defence in serious danger.
Eleven minutes later, Martínez rose between England’s defenders to meet a right-footed cross from Lionel Messi and powered a header beyond Jordan Pickford. The goal completed a remarkable late comeback and secured a 2-1 victory for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Martínez overwhelmed by decisive goal
Martínez struggled to contain his emotions after scoring one of the most important goals of his career.
Read also: “Fake left, dive right”: Messi discovers Pickford’s secret penalty plan
“This is really emotional. The first time my dad bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal,” Martínez said, according to The Guardian’s live coverage of Argentina’s semi-final victory.
“It was really tough today. Enzo scored a brilliant goal and I’m confident this team is continuing to show what it’s made of.”
The striker also dedicated the moment to his family, recalling the sacrifices made during his early career after he left home to join Racing Club.
Martínez had endured a difficult 2022 World Cup on an individual level, failing to score and losing his starting place to Julián Álvarez as Argentina lifted the trophy in Qatar.
Read also: Manchester United complete £35m Tielemans move after Ederson setback
Four years later, he delivered the goal that gave his country the opportunity to defend that title against Spain.
England take the lead
The semi-final had remained goalless during a tense and physical opening period in Atlanta.
England initially succeeded in limiting Messi’s influence, while Argentina struggled to create clear opportunities against Thomas Tuchel’s organised defence.
The breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute. Morgan Rogers delivered a curling cross towards the far post, where Anthony Gordon escaped Nahuel Molina and guided a composed finish beyond Emiliano Martínez.
Read also: Tuchel survives World Cup collapse as FA keeps faith for Euro 2028
England appeared to be moving towards their first men’s World Cup final since 1966, but their approach became increasingly cautious after taking the lead.
Tuchel’s players dropped deeper, surrendered possession and attempted to protect their narrow advantage.
Argentina punish England’s retreat
Argentina gradually took complete control as England became pinned inside their own half.
Nicolás González forced Pickford into an excellent save, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as Scaloni introduced additional attacking players.
Read also: Zidane’s France appointment hits unexpected €450,000 salary hurdle
Martínez was sent on for Nicolás Tagliafico as Argentina abandoned their conventional defensive shape and searched desperately for an equaliser.
The pressure finally told in the 85th minute. Messi received the ball following a short corner and found Enzo Fernández outside the penalty area.
The Chelsea midfielder struck a superb long-range effort beyond Pickford to make it 1-1.
Argentina refused to settle for extra time and continued attacking an England side that had lost its composure.
Read also: FIFA doubles down over ‘Cablegate’ controversy surrounding England goal
In the second minute of stoppage time, Messi created space on the right and delivered a precise cross with his weaker foot. Martínez attacked the ball aggressively and headed home from close range, triggering wild celebrations among the Argentine supporters.
As described by ESPN in its match report, the goal sent Argentina into their second consecutive World Cup final.
Martínez says England ran out of energy
Martínez believed England’s intensity had faded after Gordon’s opening goal.
“England got tired. They pressed for 60 minutes and then just ran out of steam,” he said.
“They got their goal and then sat back. That gave us more composure to move the ball around and stretch the pitch.”
England recorded only 12 per cent possession between Gordon’s goal and Martínez’s winner, underlining how dramatically the balance of the match had changed.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Victory would make Scaloni’s team the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the men’s World Cup.
For Martínez, the final will offer another opportunity to make history. His place in Argentina’s journey is already secure after the header he had dreamed about since receiving his first pair of football boots.
