Watch: Messi reacts after England keeper’s secret penalty notes were found by Argentina players

Argentina players reportedly checked Pickford’s water bottle after the win in England, with Messi and teammates reacting to the goalkeeper’s penalty remarks/ Picture: X Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced another memorable moment after the final whistle, as Lionel Messi and several teammates were filmed inspecting Jordan Pickford’s water bottle, which reportedly contained detailed notes on Argentina’s penalties.The footage quickly went viral on social media after Argentina booked 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 headed Thomas Tuchel ahead in the 55th minute.But Argentina launched another late comeback. Enzo Fernández leveled the match in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi’s cross deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory and ensure the reigning world champions advance without extra time or penalties.This late winner also meant that Pickford never had the opportunity to use the notes allegedly attached to his bottle.

Pickford’s bottle attracts Argentina’s attention

Pickford has long been known for preparing detailed penalty kick cheats during major tournaments, with notes taped to his water bottle to help him identify his opponents’ preferred spot-kick locations.After the final whistle, television cameras caught several Argentina players gathering around the England goalkeeper’s bottle and reportedly reading handwritten notes that had been prepared in anticipation of a possible shootout.Messi grinned and shook his head alongside Enzo Fernández and other teammates as they examined the bottle, with the group looking amused that carefully laid plans ended up going unused.While it was widely rumored that the notes mapped Argentina’s penalty takers, the exact contents of the bottle have not been officially confirmed.

Attention to every detail

The incident also highlighted how close the contest had become during the closing stages.Due to the late level of the match, Argentina players reportedly became interested in Pickford’s preparation as penalties loomed. Instead, Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner made any shootout unnecessary.A light-hearted exchange with Pickford’s bottle provided a fitting conclusion to a dramatic semi-final, with Messi’s smile reflecting both relief and satisfaction after Argentina avoided what could have been another tense penalty shootout.Instead of facing one of football’s most successful 12-yard penalty savers, Argentina finished the job in normal time and will now turn their attention to a sensational World Cup final against Spain.