Atlanta [US], July 16 : Argentina's Lisandro Martinez said the team's dramatic victory over England in the FIFA World Cup semifinal was a gift to every Argentine, praising his teammates' determination as the reigning world champions booked their place in a second consecutive World Cup final.
Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1, with Enzo Fernandez equalising late in the match before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time to seal a place in Sunday's final against Spain.
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.
Coming to the match, the first half was a tightly contested battle, with both teams fighting for midfield control and creating limited clear chances. England eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished Morgan Rogers' cross to put the Three Lions ahead.
After taking the lead, England dropped deeper defensively, allowing Argentina to build pressure. The defending champions responded strongly, with Jordan Pickford making key saves and Alexis Mac Allister hitting the post before Argentina found the equaliser. In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez struck after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi to level the match.
Argentina completed their comeback in stoppage time when Messi delivered a cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home the winner. Despite England's late efforts, Argentina held on to reach the final. England will now face France for third place, while Argentina will meet Spain for the title.