Lautaro Martinez scored in the 121st minute of extra time, sealing Argentina's 3-1 victory at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. After scoring, the Inter Milan forward jumped over the advertising boards to rush towards the Argentine fan section, climbing the fence and touching spectators for a few seconds before returning to the field.

Lautaro Martinez celebrates Argentina's 3-1 winning goal against Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US on 11/7. *Photo: AP*

Lautaro Martinez celebrates Argentina's 3-1 winning goal against Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US on 11/7. *Photo: AP*

Referee Joao Pinheiro did not issue a card for this incident. However, according to UK newspaper TalkSport, this decision is controversial because Martinez had already received a yellow card in the 98th minute for a foul. If cautioned again, he would have been sent off and missed the semi-final against England. The article was titled, "Lautaro Martinez escapes a red card that would have ruled him out of the England match, despite appearing to violate celebration rules".

The UK newspaper suggested that referee Joao Pinheiro deemed the situation insufficient to apply Law 12 of IFAB, and therefore did not issue a second yellow card to Martinez. Law 12 stipulates that a player must still receive a yellow card, even if the goal is subsequently disallowed, if they:

- climb onto the perimeter fence or approach spectators in a manner that could affect safety or security; - celebrate in a provocative, derisory, or inflammatory way; - wear a mask or similar item to cover the head or face; - or remove their shirt or use their shirt to cover their head.

Martinez's act of crossing the advertising boards and climbing the fence to celebrate with fans could fall under the category of sanctionable behavior. French newspaper RMC Sport also questioned whether Martinez deserved to be sent off. According to the newspaper, the Argentine forward was only in the stands for a few seconds, so he did not violate rules regarding prolonged celebration. However, the issue lies in how he approached the fans. They commented that referee Pinheiro had grounds to issue a second yellow card if he believed Martinez's actions affected security procedures.

As only a few seconds remained in the match, a red card, if issued, would have had little impact on the result against Switzerland. However, the consequences for Argentina would still be significant, as Martinez would have been suspended for the semi-final against England. The referee's decision not to issue a card therefore continued to fuel debate on social media. The French newspaper suggested this was one reason why accusations of Argentina receiving favorable refereeing at the 2026 World Cup continued to emerge.

Referee Joao Pinheiro shows a red card to Switzerland's Breel Embolo (left) during their 3-1 extra-time loss to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final at Kansas City, Missouri, US on 11/7. *Photo: AP*

On social media platform X, many fans argued that Lautaro Martinez should have received a second yellow card. Account @MadridPreeti wrote that the Argentine forward crossed the barrier to celebrate in the stands while already on a yellow card, implying that the referee and VAR "ignored the rules". @TerriblePic also commented that the rules specify this behavior warrants a yellow card. Meanwhile, @maxfootyvalue remarked that if it were another team, the referee would likely have issued a card immediately.

Conversely, many believed the referee handled the situation appropriately. @ExclusiveMessi criticized claims of Argentina receiving favorable treatment as "fabricated". @The_Designnn questioned why there was no similar controversy when a Cape Verde player (Sidny Lopes Cabral) celebrated in the same manner previously. Furthermore, @LawnGreene suggested that if the referee had issued a second yellow card, the same critics today might have complained that he lacked flexibility and did not use "common sense" for the benefit of the game.

Lionel Messi (number 10, center) and his Argentina teammates celebrate their 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final at Kansas City, Missouri, US on 11/7. *Photo: AP*

Earlier, Switzerland had to play with ten men due to a VAR intervention under new rules. Forward Breel Embolo received a second yellow card in the 72nd minute after VAR determined he had dived near the touchline, leaving the European side with only 10 players. While Embolo was sent off due to a strict application of the rules, Martinez escaped a second yellow card late in the match.

Martinez has played in all six of Argentina's matches at the 2026 World Cup so far. He started in the first four games, being substituted in the second half of each. In the two most recent matches, he came on as a substitute for Julian Alvarez in the second half. His decisive goal against Switzerland was his first in a World Cup knockout round, securing Argentina's progression. Therefore, the Inter Milan forward's emotional outburst was understandable.

Argentina will face England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final at 2h on thursday, 16/7, Hanoi time. The winner of this match will play France or Spain in the final at 2h on monday, 20/7.

By Xuan Binh