Lionel Messi Delivers 2 Clutch Assists To Lead Argentina To Back-To-Back World Cup Finals

Lionel Messi delivered two clutch assists in crunch time to lead Argentina to a 2-1 comeback win over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium. With Argentina facing elimination after a 55th minute Anthony Gordon goal, Messi came alive in the match's final minutes, setting up Enzo Fernández's 85th minute equalizer. Messi recorded his second assist of the night in the second minute of stoppage time, finding Lautaro Martínez at the far post, where he headed in the match-winning goal.

Lionel Messi has now scored or assisted in 11 consecutive World Cup matches, extending the longest ever run by a player on record since 1966. Argentina will play Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. This is Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance.