Lionel Messi scripted England’s World Cup semi-final triumph with a record no player has ever equaled
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with his teammates at the end of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Lionel Messi once again proved why he continues to own football’s greatest moments. The Argentina captain inspired the reigning champions to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, scoring two crucial assists in the closing minutes to send La Albiceleste to a second successive World Cup final. In doing so, the 39-year-old broke another long-standing World Cup record, becoming the all-time leader in career assists at the tournament, while also creating a statistical feat that no player has achieved since Opta began recording detailed World Cup data in 1966.
Messi puts the 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 wore each other out with an intense midfield battle that produced 19 fouls before the break. According to the broadcasters, it was the first World Cup game since 1966 without a single shot being recorded in the opening 30 minutes.England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Harry Kane sparked a quick counter-attack before Morgan Rogers crossed accurately 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 hit the bar with a header, while Jordan Pickford produced an excellent save to deny Nico González as England desperately tried to hold on to the lead.The breakthrough finally came five minutes before time. After Pickford parried 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 past the England keeper to restore parity in the 85th minute.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Enzo Fernandez scores their team’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 once again produced a defining moment.Mac Allister’s header hit the post before Messi was first to react and collect the loose ball. The captain immediately hit a pinpoint cross into the box where Lautaro Martínez rose to head home the winner 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 in celebration after scoring his team’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 broke the World Cup record for assists
The two assists took Messi into territory that no player had reached before.According to Opta, the Argentina captain now has 12 assists in his World Cup career, the highest tally since detailed tournament data began in 1966.Even more remarkably, 10 of those 12 assists came during knockout games, another record unmatched by any player in World Cup history. Before Messi’s latest masterclass, no footballer had registered more than eight total assists in a final.The updated all-time standings now read:
- 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 8 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 all-round display was as historic as it was decisive. Official Opta figures credited him with nine successful dribbles and two assists against England.This made him the first player in history since 1966 to complete at least nine successful dribbles and add two assists in the same World Cup knockout match.He also extended his scoring or assist streak to 13 consecutive World Cup matches, another record unmatched since the inception of Opta’s detailed database in 1966.
The last chapter awaits us
Messi’s latest masterpiece also boosted his individual tournament numbers.He now has eight goals and four assists at the World Cup 2026, moving to the top of the Golden Boot table. Although he is level with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals, Messi’s four assists beat Mbappé’s three, giving the Argentina captain the tiebreaker advantage with the French forward, who is now out of the tournament.The win sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face an unbeaten Spain side chasing major international titles.But for Messi, the night in Atlanta represented something even bigger than another appearance in soccer’s biggest game.Every great World Cup record that was once considered untouchable continues to fall.Against England, he became the tournament’s top scorer, putting in a statistical performance never before seen in a knock-out match and showing once again that even at the age of 39, Argentina’s pursuit of another world title still revolves around the brilliance of their captain.