Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute to help Argentina on their way to the 2026 World Cup semi-final in the early hours of Sunday morning, but some feel that the Inter skipper was fortunate to avoid a second yellow and a suspension for the upcoming last-four tie with England. Here's why El Toro escaped punishment.
Lautaro was initially named on the substitutes' bench for Argentina's eventual 3-1 quarter-final win against Switzerland in Kansas City, but emerged off the bench in the 84th minute and contributed his nation's third goal of the night in the 121st minute of the tie to put the game beyond any doubt.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 11: Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Lautaro was on a booking at the time of his goal, and some eagle-eyed fans believe that he should have been shown a second yellow and sent off for his celebrations. Had that been the case, the Inter striker would have been suspended for the World Cup semi-final against England coming up on Wednesday night.
That is because Lautaro jumped over the advertising ****** dings and went right up to the Argentina supporters behind the goal while celebrating his 121st-minute settler.