Argentina and England delivered a thrilling clash at the 2026 World Cup, with Anthony Gordon opening the scoring. As Argentina gradually lost momentum, Lionel Messi emerged as the decisive force, orchestrating two key assists. Post-match, the 39-year-old icon shared insights: “I finalized my decision in the last year, collaborating closely with Scaloni. I dedicated myself fully to peak readiness, training relentlessly—even residing in Argentina during December for morning and evening sessions. My goal was to enter the tournament at my best and truly enjoy the experience,” he stated.
Despite approaching his late 30s, Messi has showcased remarkable endurance, logging 712 minutes across seven matches and starting six. As Argentina’s central figure, he’s netted eight goals and dished out four assists, cementing his status as the tournament’s most impactful player and a leader in the MVP race.
Messi’s Legacy in the Making at the 2026 World Cup
Messi continues to redefine World Cup excellence, now with a record 12 goal involvements (goals and assists) in a single tournament. Ten of these came in knockout stages, matching Pelé’s record for four assists in one World Cup. He also equals Cafu for the most final appearances, with three. His consistent 90-minute performances and 120-minute stints highlight his physical resilience.
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