FIFA World Cup 2026: "We never let our arms drop," Lisandro Martinez celebrates Argentina's WC final berth
Atlanta, July 16
Argentina's Lisandro Martinez celebrated his side's thrilling comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, thanking supporters after the reigning champions booked a place in a second successive World Cup final.
Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home a stoppage-time winner to seal a meeting with Spain in Sunday's final.
Reacting to the victory in a post on X, Lisandro Martinez praised the team's fighting spirit and urged fans to continue backing the squad in the title clash.
"WHAT A TEAM, DAMN IT! BACK IN A WORLD FINAL AGAIN! We never let our arms drop. Thanks for pushing with us. On Sunday, once again, all together," Martinez wrote.
Speaking after the match, Lisandro Martinez said the players were driven by the support of the Argentine people and their desire to create history.
"We are all Argentinians right now, what they go through, what they live, it's felt here too. We knew the magnitude of this match and from minute zero we went after it. Those who want to win always get the result. What we did today was history and a gift to every Argentine," Martinez said, as quoted by the Argentine Football Association's X handle.
The Manchester United defender added that the team had given everything on the pitch and wanted supporters to identify with their fighting spirit.
"Let the people feel identified. We leave everything in every contested ball and that's the most important thing. We're one step away, but now we're going to enjoy what we've achieved," he said.
Argentina will now take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup final as Lionel Scaloni's side aims to successfully defend the world title. England, meanwhile, will face France in the third-place playoff.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Lisandro Martinez is right - they never dropped their arms. That stoppage-time winner was pure magic. But as an Indian, I can't help but feel a bit jealous of nations where football is this big. We have so much talent but no infrastructure. Hope we learn from Argentina's passion! 🇮🇳
England played well but Argentina's fighting spirit is unmatched. Coming back from 1-0 down in the 85th minute shows champions' mentality. The atmosphere must be electric in Buenos Aires! Meanwhile, I'm just glad we got to watch this in India at a reasonable hour for once 😂🇦🇷
As someone who follows Indian football closely, I admire how Argentina plays for their people. That connection between team and nation is what we're missing. The final against Spain will be epic - two footballing philosophies clashing. Vamos Argentina! 💙🤍
Respect to Argentina for their never-give-up attitude, but as an England supporter today, that was heartbreaking. Martinez's header in stoppage time felt like a knife through the heart. On the bright side, at least India's cricket team taught us how to handle knockout heartbreaks better! 😅🏏
This is what makes football beautiful. Argentina playing with their hearts on their sleeves, thinking of their people back home. I wish Indian football could have even a fraction of this passion and belief. The final against Spain will be a spectacle - can't wait! 🙌⚡
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.