Lionel Messi

Analysis: Messi was Argentina's most creative force in Saturday's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, delivering the ball that Alexis Mac Allister headed home unmarked, then registering four shots (one on target), eleven crosses (five accurate) and six chances created across his 120 minutes. The Inter Miami captain saw his nine-game World Cup scoring streak end but his eight goals remain tied for the tournament lead with Kylian Mbappe, and Argentina face England in the Atlanta semi-final with Messi two wins from a historic back-to-back title.

Jul 7, 2026

Goal, assist in historic comeback

Messi scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and six chances created in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Egypt.

Analysis: Messi was the central figure in Monday's 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, missing a first-half penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir before redeeming himself with the assist for Cristian Romero's header that pulled the score back to 2-1, then thundering the equalizing second goal in off the crossbar to make it 2-2, registering five shots (two on target), twelve crosses (four accurate), six chances created and one tackle across his 90 minutes in the most dramatic individual performance of the tournament. The Inter Miami captain extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 21 goals and became the first player in history to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout stage appearances, also equalling Miroslav Klose's record for most knockout stage appearances (14). Argentina face Switzerland or Colombia in the quarterfinals.