Argentina captain Lionel Messi etched his name further into FIFA World Cup history on Wednesday after producing a record-breaking display in his side’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals.
England looked on course for a place in the final after Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions ahead in the 55th minute from a Morgan Rogers assist.
However, the defending champions responded late in the game, with Enzo Fernandez restoring parity in the 85th minute after being set up by Messi.
Moments later, Lautaro Martinez completed Argentina’s remarkable turnaround, heading home the winner from another pinpoint delivery by Messi to send Lionel Scaloni’s men into the World Cup final.
The victory also saw Messi rewrite the record books.
According to Opta, the Argentina captain became the first player since records began in 1966 to complete nine dribbles and provide two assists in a single FIFA World Cup knockout match.
The 39-year-old also extended his remarkable World Cup assist tally to 12, with 10 of those coming in knockout matches. No other player on record since 1966 has registered more than eight assists across all World Cup finals.
