Lionel Messi wrote World Cup history in England’s semi-final victory with a record no player has matched | Football News

Lionel Messi of Argentina 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 proved once again why football’s greatest moments continue to be his. Argentina’s captain inspired the reigning champions to a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, producing two decisive assists in the closing 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 tournament’s outright leader in career assists while also producing a statistical performance unmatched by any player since Opta began recording detailed World Cup data in 1966.

Messi turned the semi-final over in his head as Argentina fought back

The semi-final in Atlanta turned out to be one of the most tactically and physically demanding matches of the tournament.Neither side managed a shot on target before halftime as Argentina and England canceled each other out with a fierce midfield battle that produced 19 fouls before the interval. According to the broadcasters, this is the first World Cup match since 1966 without a single shot being recorded in the opening 30 minutes.England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Harry Kane launched a swift attack before Morgan Rogers provided an accurate cross for Anthony Gordon, who calmly converted his first World Cup goal to give the Three Lions a 1-0 advantage.Argentina immediately increased the pressure.Alexis Mac Allister hit the post with a diving header, while Jordan Pickford produced a superb save to deny Nico González as England desperately tried to preserve their lead.The breakthrough finally came five minutes from time. After Pickford pushed an initial effort, Messi quickly recycled possession and found Enzo Fernández on the edge of the area. The Chelsea midfielder curled a stunning left-footed strike past the England goalkeeper in the 85th minute to restore parity.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Enzo Fernandez scores their side’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 approaching, Messi provided 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 struck a precise cross into the six-yard box where Lautaro Martínez rose to the top to head home the winning goal in stoppage time, completing another remarkable comeback for Argentina and securing a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

Lautaro Martinez of Argentina hugs teammate Lionel Messi in celebration after scoring their side’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 assist record

The two assists took Messi into territory the player had never 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 remarkable, 10 of the 12 assists came during knockout games, another record unmatched by any other player in World Cup history. Before Messi’s latest masterclass, no player had registered more than eight assists in total in the finals.Today’s updated all-time leaderboard reads:

Messi’s full performance was as historic as it was decisive. Official Opta data credits him with nine successful dribbles along with 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 stretched his streak of scoring or assisting to 13 consecutive World Cup matches, another record unmatched since Opta’s detailed database began in 1966.

A final chapter awaits

Messi’s latest masterpiece also bolstered his individual tournament numbers.He now has eight goals and four assists in the 2026 World Cup, moving him to the top of the Golden Boot standings. 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 France forward out of the tournament.The win sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will meet an unbeaten Spain side looking for back-to-back major international titles.For Messi, however, the night in Atlanta represented something much bigger than just another appearance in football’s biggest game.Every major World Cup record that was considered untouchable continues to fall.Against England, he became the tournament’s greatest creator, producing a statistical performance never before recorded in a knockout match, and once again showing that, even at the age of 39, Argentina’s quest for another world title still revolves around the brilliance of their captain.