Lionel Messi he once again showed why football’s greatest moments continue to belong to him. The Argentina captain inspired the reigning champions to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, producing two decisive assists in the final minutes to send La Albiceleste to a second consecutive 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 producing a statistical performance that no player has managed since Opta began recording detailed World Cup data in 1966.
Messi turns the semi-final on his head as Argentina fight back
The semi-final in Atlanta developed into one of the most tactical and physically demanding games of the tournament.Neither side managed a shot on target before half-time as Argentina and England canceled each other out through an intense midfield battle that produced 19 fouls before the break. According to the broadcasters, it was the first World Cup match since 1966 without a single shot being recorded during the first 30 minutes.England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Harry Kane launched a quick counter-attack before Morgan Rogers delivered a pinpoint cross for Anthony Gordon, who calmly converted his first World Cup goal to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.Argentina immediately increased the pressure.Alexis Mac Allister hit 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 finally came 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 shot past the England goalkeeper in the 85th minute to restore parity.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Enzo Fernandez scored his 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 brought 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 sent a precise cross into the six-yard box where Lautaro Martínez rose high to head home the winner in stoppage time, completing another remarkable Argentine performance and securing a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez hugs teammate Lionel Messi as he celebrates 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 breaks the assist record in the World Cup
The two assists took Messi into territory no player has reached before.According to Opta, the Argentina captain now has 12 assists in his entire World Cup career, the highest total recorded since detailed tournament data began in 1966.Even more remarkably, 10 of those 12 assists came during the knockout games, another record unmatched by any player in World Cup history. Before Messi’s latest masterclass, no footballer had recorded more than eight assists in total in the 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 comprehensive display was as historic as it was decisive. Official Opta figures 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 extended his scoring or assist streak to 13 consecutive World Cup games, another record unmatched since Opta’s detailed database began in 1966.
A final chapter awaits
Messi’s latest masterpiece also boosted his individual tournament numbers.He now has eight goals and four assists at the 2026 World Cup, which has taken him to the top of the Golden Boot rankings. 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 French forward now out of the tournament.The win sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will meet an unbeaten Spanish side in pursuit of back-to-back major international titles.For Messi, however, the night in Atlanta represented something even bigger than another appearance in football’s biggest game.Every major World Cup record once considered untouchable continues to fall.Against England, he became the biggest creator of the tournament, produced a statistical performance never before recorded in a knockout match, and once again showed that, even at 39, Argentina’s quest for another world title still revolves around the brilliance of its captain.