Lionel Messi he also proved why football’s biggest moments continue to be his. The Argentina captain inspired the hosts to beat England 2-1 in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making two late assists to send La Albiceleste to their second consecutive World Cup final. In doing so, the 39-year-old broke another long-standing World Cup record, becoming the game’s assist leader as he also produced a tally that no player has achieved since Opta began recording World Cup records in 1966.
Messi turns the semi-final on its head as Argentina struggle
The semi-final in Atlanta turned out to be one of the most technical and difficult matches of the tournament.Neither side had a shot on target before half-time as Argentina and England were split in midfield who committed 19 fouls before half-time. According to the broadcasters, it was the first World Cup match since 1966 without a single shot being recorded in the opening 30 minutes.England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Harry Kane launched a quick attack before Morgan Rogers delivered an accurate cross to Anthony Gordon, who calmly converted his first World Cup goal to give the Three Lions a 1-0 advantage.Argentina immediately added to the problems.Alexis Mac Allister hit the post with a diving header, while Jordan Pickford made a superb save to deny Nico González as England tried to protect their lead.The victory came with five minutes to go. After Pickford missed an early effort, Messi recovered his possession and found Enzo Fernández on the edge of the area. The Chelsea midfielder made a powerful left-footed shot past the England international in the 85th minute to restore the tie.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate Enzo Fernandez’s goal during the World Cup final match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
With extra time, Messi scored again in the last minute.Mac Allister’s header hit the crossbar before Messi could make a move to collect the ball. The manager immediately crossed in the six-yard box as Lautaro Martínez rose to score the winner in stoppage time, completing Argentina’s stunning comeback and securing a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.
Lautaro Martinez of Argentina hugs teammate Lionel Messi as they celebrate after scoring their team’s second goal during the World Cup final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Messi breaks the World Cup assist record
The two assists carried Messi to a place that no other player had reached.According to Opta, the Argentina captain now has 12 assists in his World Cup campaign, the most recorded since the game began in 1966.Most impressively, 10 of the 12 assists have come in knockout games, another record unmatched by any player in World Cup history. Before Messi’s latest masterclass, no player had registered more than eight assists in a final.The regularly updated billboard now reads:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 12 assists in 33 World Cup games
- Pelé (Brazil) – 10 assists in 14 games
- Fritz Walter (West Germany) – 9 assists in 11 games
- Raymond Kopa (France) – 8 assists in eight games
- Diego Maradona (Argentina) – 8 assists in 21 games
- Uwe Seeler (West Germany) – 8 assists in 21 games
Another record belongs to Messi
Messi’s overall performance was as impressive as it was convincing. Opta’s stats saw him land nine dribbles along with two assists against England.This made him the first player in history since 1966 to complete at least nine successful games and provide two assists in the same World Cup knockout game.He also extended his streak of scoring or assisting in 13 consecutive World Cup games, another record not matched since Opta’s multi-team debut in 1966.
The final chapter awaits
Messi’s latest feat has further boosted his game statistics.He now has eight goals and four assists at the 2026 World Cup, putting him top of the game for the Golden Boot. Despite being level with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals, Messi’s four assists outstrip Mbappé’s three, giving the Argentina captain the edge over the Frenchman who has already exited the competition.The win sends Lionel Scaloni’s men to their second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face an unbeaten Spain side who are looking for back-to-back major titles.For Messi, however, the night in Atlanta represented something bigger than just another appearance in football’s biggest game.Every major World Cup record that was deemed untouchable continues to fall.Against England, he became the tournament’s top scorer, produced record numbers in the knock-out game, and showed that, despite being 39 years old, Argentina’s quest for another international title still involves the skills of their captain.
