Argentina striker Lautaro Martínez said scoring the decisive goal that sent his country into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final was the realization of a lifelong dream after the Albiceleste secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta.
Martínez struck the winner in the 85th minute, sealing Argentina’s place in the final and sparking emotional celebrations among players and supporters. Speaking after the match, the forward struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on the significance of the moment.
“I honestly don’t know how to describe this feeling. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a child,” Martínez said. “When my father bought me my first pair of football boots, I imagined scoring a goal like this one day.”
The striker also paid tribute to his family, particularly his mother, crediting her unwavering support throughout his journey to the top of the game.
“When I think about my mother, I become emotional,” he said. “Since I started playing at Racing Club, she has always been there for me, taking care of me and supporting me. That love means more to me than any goal or even reaching a World Cup final.”
Martínez has enjoyed an impressive tournament after failing to score during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar. He has now found the net in multiple matches during the 2026 tournament, emerging as one of Argentina’s key attacking threats.
The Inter Milan forward revealed he had predicted his decisive contribution before kickoff.
“I believed this moment would come,” Martínez said. “Before the match, I told Alexis Mac Allister that I was going to score today. I also told Facundo Medina that I would help the team win. Thankfully, everything worked out.”
Reflecting on his personal life, Martínez said becoming a father had transformed both his mindset and his performances on the pitch.
“I have two children now, and they have changed my life completely,” he said. “They’ve helped me mature as a person, and today I enjoy every moment, both on and off the field.”
With Argentina now through to the World Cup final, Martínez said the squad’s full focus has shifted to the title decider, where they will face Spain in pursuit of another world championship.
