Lionel Messi once again proved why football’s biggest moments continue to belong to him. The Argentina captain inspired the reigning champions to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, producing two decisive assists in the closing minutes to send La Albiceleste into a second consecutive World Cup final. In doing so, the 39-year-old shattered another long-standing World Cup record, becoming the outright leader for career assists at the tournament while also producing a statistical performance that no player has managed since Opta began recording detailed World Cup data in 1966.
Messi turns semi-final on its head as Argentina fight back
The semi-final in Atlanta developed into one of the most tactical and physically demanding matches of the tournament.Neither side managed a shot on target before half-time as Argentina and England cancelled each other out through an intense midfield battle that produced 19 fouls before the interval. According to broadcasters, it was the first World Cup match since 1966 without a single shot recorded during the opening 30 minutes.England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Harry Kane launched a swift counterattack before Morgan Rogers delivered a precise cross for Anthony Gordon, who calmly converted his first World Cup goal to hand the Three Lions a 1-0 advantage.Argentina immediately increased the pressure.Alexis Mac Allister struck the post with a diving header, while Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding save to deny Nico González as England desperately tried to preserve their lead.The breakthrough eventually arrived five minutes from time. After Pickford had pushed away an initial effort, Messi quickly recycled possession and found Enzo Fernández on the edge of the area. The Chelsea midfielder curled a superb left-footed strike beyond the England goalkeeper in the 85th minute to restore parity.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Enzo Fernandez scored their side’s first goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
With extra time looming, Messi delivered the decisive moment once again.Mac Allister’s header crashed against the post before Messi reacted first to collect the loose ball. The captain immediately whipped a precise cross into the six-yard box where Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winning goal in stoppage time, completing another remarkable Argentine comeback and securing a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez hugs teammate Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring their side’s second goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Messi breaks World Cup assist record
The two assists carried Messi into territory no player has previously reached.According to Opta, the Argentina captain now has 12 assists across his World Cup career, the highest total recorded since detailed tournament data began in 1966.Even more remarkably, 10 of those 12 assists have come during knockout matches, another record unmatched by any player in World Cup history. Before Messi’s latest masterclass, no footballer had registered more than eight assists in total at the finals.The updated all-time leaderboard now reads:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 12 assists in 33 World Cup matches
- Pelé (Brazil) — 10 assists in 14 matches
- Fritz Walter (West Germany) — 9 assists in 11 matches
- Raymond Kopa (France) — 8 assists in 8 matches
- Diego Maradona (Argentina) — 8 assists in 21 matches
- Uwe Seeler (West Germany) — 8 assists in 21 matches
Another record belongs to Messi
Messi’s all-round display was as historic as it was decisive. Official Opta data credited him with nine successful dribbles alongside two assists against England.That made him the first player on record since 1966 to complete at least nine successful dribbles and provide two assists in the same World Cup knockout match.He also stretched his run of scoring or assisting to 13 consecutive World Cup matches, another record unmatched since Opta’s detailed database began in 1966.
A final chapter awaits
Messi’s latest masterpiece also strengthened his individual tournament numbers.He now has eight goals and four assists at the 2026 World Cup, moving him to the top of the Golden Boot standings. Although he is level with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals, Messi’s four assists surpass Mbappé’s three, giving the Argentina captain the tiebreak advantage with the France forward now out of the tournamentThe victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will meet an unbeaten Spain team seeking back-to-back major international titles.For Messi, however, the night in Atlanta represented something even greater than another appearance in football’s biggest match.Every major World Cup record once considered untouchable continues to fall.Against England, he became the tournament’s greatest creator, produced a statistical performance never previously recorded in a knockout match, and once again demonstrated that, even at 39 years of age, Argentina’s pursuit of another world title still revolves around the brilliance of their captain.
