Lautaro Martínez, the 'Bull' who showed up in Argentina's big finishes
When it mattered most, he showed up. Lautaro Martínez scored in the dying moments of the quarter-final against Switzerland (120') and the semi against England (90+2), two decisive goals that took Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final and much of the credit went to a Lautaro Martínez who showed up exactly when his team needed him most. The 'Bull' specialised in dramatic finishes, the kind where one goal changes everything.
In the quarter-final against Switzerland, with the game in extra time, Lautaro sealed the 3-1 in the 120th minute that took Argentina to the semis. Days later, in the semi against England, he appeared again: in stoppage time (90+2), after a Messi assist, he scored the 2-1 that completed a comeback for the ages.
Two goals in two effective finals, both in the final minutes, both decisive. That ability to show up under maximum pressure defines great strikers, and Lautaro displayed it on the biggest stage possible.
Argentina would lose the final to Spain (1-0), so the top prize escaped the 'Bull'. But his tournament, and especially his last-gasp goals, will remain one of the hallmarks of the Albiceleste's road to the final. See his profile and the World Cup scorers on our site.