Argentina had to dig deep on Saturday. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez both scored in extra time as the defending champions edged Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals, booking a World Cup semifinal against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi and Argentina are still on track to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title. Martinez’s goal was the one that got people talking, and not just because it put the result beyond doubt.
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Lautaro Martinez Celebration Raises Yellow Card Questions
After finishing the rebound from Thiago Almada‘s shot, Martinez leaped over the advertising boards to celebrate with Argentina fans in the stands. It was a moment of pure emotion but one that put him in a tricky spot.
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring with the fans against Switzerland.REUTERS – Albert Gea
He had already been booked in the 98th minute, and under International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, that kind of celebration can earn a caution. A second yellow would have meant a red card and a suspension for the semifinal against England on July 14.
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“A player must be cautioned, even if the goal is disallowed, for: climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching the spectators in a manner which causes safety and/or security issues, acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way, covering the head or face with a mask or other similar item, removing the shirt or covering the head with the shirt.” IFAB’s rules are clear on this.
Martinez was not shown a second yellow. The match had already ended so Argentina’s result was never at risk but he could have been ruled out of one of the biggest games of this tournament.
It’s another moment that will add fuel to a conversation that has been building throughout this World Cup. Fans have pointed to several decisions that appeared to go Argentina’s way, starting with Messi avoiding a caution for a foul on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi in their opening game.
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Questions around VAR and foul play in opposition goal buildups have come up too. Saturday’s celebration just gives soccer fans more to point at.
Related: FBI Makes Major Move Against Argentine Football Association During World Cup
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
