Lautaro Martínez, the hero who cried after scoring the final goal

Albiceleste is in the 2026 World Cup final. Lautaro Martínez, Inter striker, scored the 2-0 winner over England in the 90+3rd minute with a tap-in after a cross from Leo Messi. After three and a half years, the national team is back in a World Cup final.

Lautaro’s goal came in the dying seconds. Messi delivered a cross to the second post, and the Inter forward slotted it home. The striker, in tears, admitted he had dreamed of this moment since his father bought his first pair of boots. "It’s so strong, really. Sorry, eh?" he said, choking up.

The goal Lautaro had dreamed of

"I dreamed it, I swear," Lautaro said after the match. "I told Alexis Mac Allister I’d score. I told Facundo Medina I’d come on and win it. Today it was me." He also praised Enzo Fernández’s goal and the team’s collective work: "This team keeps showing what it’s made of."

The clash with England mirrored Argentina’s path in this World Cup. The Three Lions pressed for 60 minutes, then faded. That allowed Albiceleste to move the ball calmly and seal the win with two goals in stoppage time. At 22, Lautaro is already a key piece in Argentina’s attack.

Family, Lautaro’s driving force

Tears flowed as Lautaro thanked his family. "For my mum, who’s made my bed every day since I left for Racing. That means more to me than any goal, any final." He also mentioned his daughter and son as his inspiration: "They’ve kept me grounded. I’m enjoying life."

The Inter striker arrived at World Cup 2026 under pressure to deliver. After the 2-0 win over England, Albiceleste has now won three straight games in the tournament. Their last result before the World Cup was on November 14, 2025, when they beat Angola 2-0.