Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal for Argentina in injury time during their 2026 World Cup semi-final match against England on July 15, 2026. The 28-year-old forward came on as a substitute in the 81st minute, replacing Nicolas Tagliafico [1, 2, 3]. Argentina had been trailing until Lionel Messi assisted Enzo Fernandez to equalize in the 85th minute. Moments later, Messi crossed to Martinez, who headed in the winner deep into stoppage time [1, 2, 3].
Martinez told teammates Alexis Mac Allister and Facundo Medina before coming on that he planned to score. "I dreamt it. I told Alexis (Mac Allister) that I was going to score. And I said on the bench to Facundo Medina that I was going to come on and score," he said [1]. Reflecting on his childhood, Martinez recalled, "When my old man first bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal" [1]. The Inter Milan striker was emotional after fulfilling his lifelong ambition [1, 2, 3].
Martinez had started all three group games for Argentina in the tournament, scoring against Jordan. He lost his starting spot early but came off the bench to score in the quarter-finals versus Switzerland before providing this semi-final heroics [1, 2, 3].
Argentina is set to face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey [1, 2, 3]. Spain have not lost in 38 matches, with their last defeat a 1-0 friendly loss to Colombia in March 2024 [1, 2, 3]. A scheduled Finalissima clash between the European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina in March 2026 was postponed due to the Middle East war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran [1, 2, 3].
The only prior World Cup meeting between Spain and Argentina came in 1966, when Argentina won 2-1 in the group stage at Villa Park, Birmingham [1, 2, 3]. Martinez acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "We are going to be coming up against a top-class side who have not lost in 38 games and have great players. Now we need to get some rest but also enjoy this because what we are doing is not easy, getting back to the final as defending champions three and a half years after winning it" [1].
