At 39, Lionel Messi produced a masterclass on the right wing to knock England out of the World Cup semi-final, with two assists that sent Argentina to their second consecutive final. For UK readers who watched the Three Lions come undone, the question is not just about this match, but about how Messi, widely considered the greatest of all time, has defied age to remain football's defining figure.
Lionel Messi is an Argentine forward who has spent most of his career at Barcelona and now plays for Paris St-Germain. In the 2026 World Cup semi-final against England, he completed nine dribbles and assisted two goals, becoming the first player on record (since 1966) to do so in a single World Cup knockout game. His two assists took him to four for the tournament, alongside eight goals, making him joint top scorer and second highest assister. Argentina won 2-1, coming from behind after Anthony Gordon gave England a 55th-minute lead.
“Lionel Messi's enduring World Cup career explained after his semi-final masterclass against England.”
Messi's career has been defined by longevity and sustained excellence. Four years ago, aged 35, he won the World Cup for the first time, in what he said would be his final tournament. Four years before that, aged 31, many believed he had played his last World Cup without winning it. Now at 39, he is heading to his second final in a row, against Spain in New Jersey. His path has crossed with Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal, who was photographed as a baby with a 20-year-old Messi in a 2007 charity calendar for UNICEF. Yamal, now Barcelona's leading light, will face Messi in the final, 19 years after that photoshoot.
For UK readers, Messi's performance against England is a reminder of the fine margins that define World Cup success. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, had never faced Messi before; after he moved to the right wing following England's goal, Argentina had 88% possession for 37 minutes. Messi had seven touches in the opposition box and created four chances, equalling the entire England team's combined totals. Prince William, the future King, told the Three Lions to "hold their heads high" and praised their "fight and belief". The match also highlights how one player can dominate even at an age when most players have retired.
Q: How old is Lionel Messi and is this really his last World Cup? Messi is 39. Four years ago he said the 2022 World Cup would be his last, but he is now playing in the 2026 tournament and has reached the final. He has not confirmed whether this will be his final World Cup.
Q: What did Messi do to beat England in the semi-final? He moved to the right wing after England took the lead, completed nine dribbles, assisted both goals: a corner to Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser in the 85th minute, and a cross to Lautaro Martinez for the injury-time winner.
Q: Who is Lamine Yamal and how is he connected to Messi? Lamine Yamal is a 19-year-old Spanish winger who emerged from Barcelona's La Masia academy. In 2007, he was photographed as a baby with Messi for a UNICEF charity calendar. They will face each other in the 2026 World Cup final.
What happens next: Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in New Jersey. Messi will attempt to win back-to-back World Cups, while Spain's young star Yamal will try to stop him.