England fans have stirred controversy after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, claiming that Lautaro Martinez's decisive goal should not have been allowed.
The reigning champions secured their second successive final thanks to a dramatic turnaround. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead before Enzo Fernandez equalised with a long-range strike. In added time, Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner after a Lionel Messi assist.
However, after the match, many English fans on social media claimed that the goal should have been stopped for a foul by Messi on defender Djed Spence.
According to them, Messi, while trying to win the ball, touched Spence's leg and the referee had to signal a foul before the action could continue.
Despite the contact, Spence managed to stay on his feet and tried to stop the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, but Messi managed to cross into the area, where Martunez headed home the goal that secured Argentina's passage to the World Cup final.
VIDEO:
No Foul ❌ No VAR Check ❌ Goal Allowed ✅ https://t.co/1vQDS6A98R pic.twitter.com/JC2qp4HwuL
— SENYO (@Senyyo) July 16, 2026
