Soccer
Lautaro Martinez says he manifested his winning goal for Argentina, who “keep showing what they’re made of”, as they booked their place in the World Cup final.
Argentina once again came from behind to win at this year’s tournament, with Lionel Messi getting the assists for both Enzo Fernandez and Martinez.
After a cagey first half, Anthony Gordon had put England in front in the 55th minute, but Argentina rallied late on, with their goals coming in the space of seven minutes late on.
The Albiceleste have now reached the World Cup final for the seventh time, the outright second most of any side after Germany (eight).
Argentina have also reached consecutive World Cup showpieces for the second time, previously doing so in 1986 and 1990 – they will face European champions Spain as they aim to retain their title on Sunday.
And Martinez says he had no doubt that Argentina would get over the line, even after going behind.
“I dreamed it [the goal], I swear,” he told reporters. “I told Alexis [Mac Allister] that I was going to score.
“I told him that I was going to come on, and I was going to win it. And it fell to me. Enzo scored a great goal too, and now that I’m calmer, I can tell you this team keeps showing what they’re made of.
“They [England] got tired. They pressed for 60 minutes. After that, they had nothing left. They started when they found the goal. Then they dropped back, and that gave us more calm when it came to moving the ball.
“We made the pitch wide, and in the end, we got the two goals, and after three and a half years, we’re back playing a World Cup final.”
No importa de qué lado lo mires, es un golazo inmenso pic.twitter.com/14AvDFK0el
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 15, 2026
Argentina were trailing until the 85th minute against England, the latest a team has been behind but gone on to win in normal time in a World Cup semi-final.
The reigning world champions finished the match with 15 shots worth 1.8 expected goals (xG), while limiting England to five, and they also struck the post twice – both through Alexis Mac Allister – in addition to their five efforts on target.
“No words, no words. A joy for our country, for our people,” head coach Lionel Scaloni said.
“The other day, I said this group never stops surprising me. And I’ll tell you the truth, we’re going to try to win, we’re going to leave everything out there.
“It’s very difficult to get people to understand what these players are showing. It’s incredible. We are unique, truly, and it’s not arrogance; it’s from the heart.
“We are unique. These people carried us to win the match, so I’m grateful.”
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