Lionel Messi writes World Cup history with unbeatable record in England semi-finals | Football News

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates at the end of the World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Lionel Messi Proving once again why football’s greatest moments still belong to him. The Argentina captain led the defending champions to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, providing two decisive assists in the final minutes to help Albiceleste reach a second successive World Cup final. In the process, the 39-year-old broke another long-standing World Cup record and became the outright leader in career assists at the World Cup, while also producing a statistical performance that no player has matched since Opta began recording detailed World Cup data in 1966.

Argentina fights back as Messi reverses semi-finals

The semifinals in Atlanta developed into one of the most tactically and physically demanding matches of the tournament.Neither side had a shot on target before half-time, and Argentina and England canceled each other out in a fierce midfield battle that resulted in 19 fouls being committed before the break. According to the broadcaster, it was the first World Cup match since 1966 not to record a shot in the opening 30 minutes.England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Harry Kane launched a quick counterattack, Morgan Rogers made a precise cross, and Anthony Gordon calmly scored his first World Cup goal, giving the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.Argentina immediately stepped up the pressure.Alexis McAllister’s diving header hit the post and Jordan Pickford made a fine save to deny Nico Gonzalez as England desperately tried to keep their lead.The breakthrough finally came five minutes later. After Pickford pushed away the initial shot, Messi quickly regained possession and found Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the area. In the 85th minute, the Chelsea midfielder equalized with a wonderful left-footed shot that went past the England goalkeeper.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Enzo Fernandez scores the team’s first goal during the World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

As overtime approached, Messi once again produced a decisive moment.Mike Allister’s header hit the post and Messi was the first to react and collect the ball. The captain immediately drilled a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box and Lautaro Martinez headed in the winning goal in injury time to complete another remarkable comeback for Argentina and secure their place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez hugs teammate Lionel Messi as he celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Messi breaks World Cup assist record

These two assists brought Messi to an unprecedented level.According to Opta, the Argentina captain has provided a total of 12 assists in his World Cup career, which is the highest number recorded since detailed competition data began to be kept in 1966.What is even more noteworthy is that 10 of these 12 assists were completed in the knockout rounds, which is a record that cannot be matched by any player in the history of the World Cup. Before Messi’s latest masterclass, no player had totaled more than eight assists in a final.The updated historical rankings are now:

Messi’s all-round performance was historic and decisive. Opta official statistics show that he successfully dribbled the ball 9 times and assisted 2 times against England.This made him the first player since 1966 to complete at least 9 successful dribbles and provide 2 assists in the same World Cup knockout match.He also extended his record of scoring or assisting at the World Cup to 13 consecutive games, a record that dates back to 1966 when Opta’s detailed database was established.

The last chapter awaits

Messi’s latest masterpiece also enhances his individual statistics.Now, he is on top of the Golden Boot list with 8 goals and 4 assists at the 2026 World Cup. Although he is level with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals, Messi’s four assists surpassed Mbappe’s three, giving the Argentina captain the advantage in the tie-break with the France forward now out of the running.The win puts Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face unbeaten Spain in search of back-to-back major international titles.However, for Messi, the night in Atalanta was more important than another appearance in football’s most important game.Every major World Cup record once thought untouchable has continued to decline.Against England he became the World Cup’s greatest creator, producing a statistical performance never before seen in the knockout rounds and proving once again that, even at the age of 39, Argentina’s quest for another world title still revolves around the brilliance of their captain.