The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America has treated football fans to endless drama, but nothing compares to the history unfolding right before our eyes. In a thrilling semifinal clash in Atlanta, Argentina survived an intense, physical battle to defeat England 2-1, booking their ticket to a second consecutive World Cup final. At the heart of this dramatic comeback was none other than Lionel Messi, who put on a playmaker masterclass to shatter records that have stood untouched for sixty years.

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Inside Messi's Record-Breaking Semifinal Display

Argentina's path to the final against Spain was far from easy. England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted a Morgan Rogers cross, leaving the reigning world champions in a 1-0 deficit. With their backs against the wall, Argentina relied on the magical vision of their 39-year-old captain to turn the tide.

Messi orchestrated the late-game rescue with two brilliant assists. In the 85th minute, working a clever short-corner routine, he picked out Enzo Fernández on the edge of the box, who curled a magnificent strike past Jordan Pickford to level the score. Then, in the 92nd minute, Messi danced past Djed Spence on the right flank and whipped an incredibly precise far-post cross to Lautaro Martínez, who headed home to seal the 2-1 victory.

Messi now sits atop the all-time FIFA World Cup assist charts with 12 assists, 10 of which have come in knockout matches alone. Pelé of Brazil sits second with 10 assists, followed by Germany's Fritz Walter with 9, and Argentina great Diego Maradona with 8.

With his display in Atlanta, Messi officially became the first player in football history to record 10 assists in World Cup knockout matches. Furthermore, his total of 12 tournament assists since records began in 1966 officially moves him clear of Brazilian icon Pelé at the top of the all-time list.

Seven Straight Games of Pure Dominance

Messi's playmaking is only one facet of his historic 2026 campaign. Following the semifinal, the Argentina captain became the first player in World Cup history to record an attacking point (either a goal or an assist) in seven consecutive matches at a single tournament.

With 8 goals and 4 assists to his name, Messi has overtaken Kylian Mbappé in the 2026 Golden Boot race based on the assist tiebreaker. His consistency has kept Argentina on the cusp of achieving a historic World Cup two-peat.

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