Between 1949 and 1956, Lantos won 52 caps and scored 5 goals for Hungary. He made his international debut on 10 July 1949 in an 8–2 win against Poland. As one of the "Mighty Magyars", he helped Hungary become Olympic Champions in 1952, Central European Champions in 1953 and defeat England twice. He scored the opening goal as Hungary beat England 7–1 on 23 May 1954. He then helped Hungary reach the 1954 World Cup final. During the World Cup finals he played all five games for Hungary, scoring in the opening 9–0 win against South Korea and in the bruising "Battle of Berne" quarter-final encounter against Brazil.