At 39 years old, Lionel Messi is rewriting the record books again. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner delivered two assists as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, booking their place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

Argentina will face Spain — the country where Messi built his legend with Barcelona — in Sunday's final in New Jersey. It is a match that would have seemed unthinkable when Messi, then 29, briefly retired from international football in 2016 after losing three Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final to Germany.

How Messi dismantled England

England had never faced Messi in a competitive match before this semi-final, and Thomas Tuchel's side will be desperate to forget the encounter. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, but that goal only awoke Argentina — and Messi in particular.

As Tuchel responded by introducing more defenders and England retreated, Messi shifted to the right wing. Argentina enjoyed 88 percent possession over the following 37 minutes, and Messi was orchestrating everything.

He completed nine dribbles — the entire England team managed just seven between them across the whole match. He had seven touches inside the opposition box, created four chances, and put in nine crosses. Crucially, he provided the assist for both Argentine goals.

In the 85th minute, a corner routine saw Messi find Enzo Fernandez, who struck a thunderous equaliser from outside the area. Then, deep into injury time, Messi crossed for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner.

Those two assists made Messi the first player on record — from 1966 onwards — to complete nine dribbles and assist two goals in a single World Cup knockout fixture.