Argentina hero Lautaro Martinez revealed he told Alexis Mac Allister he would score before his late World Cup semifinal winner shattered England in Atlanta and sent his nation to the final against Spain
02:18, 16 Jul 2026
Lautaro Martinez speaks to the media
Lautaro Martinez predicted his World Cup goal and told Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister in advance
Lautaro Martinez fulfilled his childhood dreams and aspirations during a pivotal World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, channeling them after telling Liverpool star and Argentina teammate Alexis Mac Allister that it would happen.
Martinez came off the bench for defender Nicolas Tagliafico for late ultra-attacking tactics that led to him scoring Argentina's stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 semifinal victory over England at Atlanta Stadium.
The Inter striker headed in Lionel Messi's cross in extra time to complete a World Cup comeback that had looked improbable after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans were angry at the club's X post in support of Mac Allister and Argentina before the match.
Argentina clawed level after Gordon's strike in the 85th minute when Messi set up Enzo Fernandez for a curling finish from 25 yards.
Moments later, after Alexis Mac Allister struck the post, Messi collected the loose ball, lifted it into the area, and watched Martinez fly toward the skies with the header he said he had seen coming. Martinez said he foresaw the goal happening before kickoff — and even told Mac Allister about it.
"I dreamed it," he said. "I told Alexis I was going to score a goal, and I told Facu Medina on the bench that I was going to come on and win it. This team keeps showing what it's made of."
Lautaro Martinez scores a game winning header during the World Cup semifinals
Martinez credited his family for his performance
Martinez described that the first time his father bought him a pair of boots, he always dreamed of scoring such an important goal for his country. He then recognized his entire family, who sacrificed to ensure that he would one day have the chance to fulfill a dream.
"To my mother, who never stopped making my bed when I went to Racing, that's worth more than a goal, than a final. I have my two children there, who changed my life, I slowed down, I enjoy all of this," Martinez continued.
"My daughter made me slow down a gear and my son three more. Today I enjoy life." Martinez finished the match with just two touches and a goal in around just 10 minutes of action.
Lautaro Martinez celebrates his goal with Argentina teammates
Argentina defeated England 2-1 to set up a finals match with Spain
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The goal capped a hostile match already boiling with history and tension. Elliot Anderson was booked for fouling Messi in the 37th minute, and Argentina players appeared to surround the referee during a heated exchange before the match eventually swung on Messi's late control.
The celebration also carried controversy after Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero held up a banner reading "The Malvinas belong to Argentina." The sign was a reference to the Falkland War in the 1980s that claimed over 900 lives.
The act could see the South American nation face consequences from FIFA regarding the International Football Association Board (IFAB)'s rules on political imagery, flags, slogans, and signs on player undershirts.