ATLANTA: Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez revealed that he had dreamed of scoring the decisive goal after his late strike helped the defending champions complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. The win at Atlanta sent Argentina into the final, where they will face Spain on July 19, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 ended in heartbreak.
Martinez, who came on and delivered the match-winning moment, said his belief before entering the pitch played a role in the historic victory. The Inter Milan forward explained that he had told teammate Alexis Mac Allister that he would score the winning goal before the match-changing moment arrived.
Martinez’s prediction comes true in crucial moment
The semi-final appeared to be heading towards extra time after both teams struggled to create clear opportunities for long periods. England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished Morgan Rogers’ cross, putting the Three Lions ahead in a high-pressure encounter.
However, Argentina showed the resilience that has defined their World Cup campaign. The defending champions increased their attacking pressure in the final stages, and their persistence was rewarded when Enzo Fernandez scored a brilliant equaliser in the 85th minute.
With the match level, Argentina continued searching for the winner. In the second minute of stoppage time, Lionel Messi produced another decisive contribution, delivering a perfectly timed cross into the penalty area. Martinez reacted quickly and headed the ball into the net, completing Argentina’s stunning comeback.
Speaking after the match, Martinez expressed his emotions and credited the team’s mentality.
“I dreamed it, I swear. I told Alexis 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,” Martinez said, as quoted by FIFA.
He also praised Fernandez’s equaliser and highlighted Argentina’s ability to perform under pressure.
“Enzo scored a great goal too, and now that I’m calmer, I can tell you this team keeps showing what it’s made of,” Martinez added.
Argentina’s experience proves decisive
The victory highlighted Argentina’s remarkable ability to handle difficult moments during the tournament. The reigning champions have repeatedly found ways to recover from challenging situations, and the comeback against England became another example of their mental strength.
Martinez pointed out that England’s intensity reduced after the opening hour, allowing Argentina to gain more control of the game.
“They pressed for 60 minutes. After that, they had nothing left. They started well and then found the goal. Then they dropped back, and that gave us more calm when it came to moving the ball,” he said.
The striker explained that Argentina’s patience helped them find spaces and create opportunities.
“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,” he said.
Argentina’s ability to remain composed despite falling behind once again underlined their experience at the highest level. Led by captain Lionel Messi, the team continued to believe until the final whistle.
Messi continues to influence Argentina’s biggest moments
Although Martinez scored the winning goal, Messi remained central to Argentina’s success. The 39-year-old captain provided assists for both goals against England, further adding to his record-breaking World Cup campaign.
Messi’s contribution has been one of the major stories of the tournament. Despite his age, he has continued to influence matches with his creativity, vision and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Against England, his late assist for Martinez demonstrated his importance to Argentina’s attacking play. The victory also moved Messi one step closer to another World Cup triumph, with Spain now standing between Argentina and back-to-back titles.
England left disappointed after late collapse
For England, the defeat represented another painful chapter in their search for a second World Cup title. Thomas Tuchel’s side looked on course for a famous victory after Gordon’s goal but were unable to maintain their advantage.
The Three Lions struggled to keep possession after taking the lead, allowing Argentina to apply constant pressure. Despite goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making important saves, England eventually conceded twice in the final stages.
England will now play France in the third-place playoff, while Argentina will prepare for a final showdown against Spain.
Argentina’s dramatic victory once again showcased their ability to perform when the pressure is highest. Martinez’s dream finish, Messi’s brilliance and the team’s fighting spirit have taken La Albiceleste within one match of another historic World Cup triumph.