Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 win over England in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced another memorable moment after the final whistle, as Lionel Messi and a number of teammates were filmed looking at Jordan Pickford’s water bottle, which was said to have detailed notes on Argentina’s penalty takers.The pictures quickly went viral on social media after Argentina secured their place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.
Argentina narrowly avoided a penalty shootout
England looked set to reach the final after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead in the 55th minute.But Argentina came back late. Enzo Fernández took control of the game in the 85th minute before Lautaro MartÃnez came on for Messi’s side until stoppage time to seal a stunning 2-1 victory, ensuring the internationals advanced without the need for extra time or penalties.That late winner also meant that Pickford didn’t have the chance to use the notes placed in his bottle.
Pickford’s bottle catches the attention of Argentina
Pickford has long been known for preparing cheat sheets for major tournaments, notes taped to his water bottle to help identify opponents’ favorite spots.Following the final whistle, television cameras caught a number of Argentine players gathered around England’s goal bottle, reportedly reading the notes prepared in anticipation of the shootout.Messi was seen laughing and shaking his head along with Enzo Fernández and other teammates as they examined the bottle, the team seeming amused that the best preparation plans were not implemented.Although it has been reported that the documents listed the recipients of sanctions in Argentina, the contents of the bottle have not been officially confirmed.
Attention to detail
The event also shows how competitive the competition was in the final stages.After the match was delayed, the Argentinian players were said to be interested in Pickford’s preparations as the possibility of penalties loomed. Instead, Lautaro MartÃnez’s stoppage-time winner made every shot unnecessary.A light exchange with Pickford’s bottle provided the finishing touch, Messi’s smile showing relief and satisfaction after Argentina avoided what would have been further penalties.Instead of facing one of the best goalkeepers to save a goal from 12 yards, Argentina got the job done in time and will now turn their attention to the World Cup final against Spain.