At 39, Lionel Messi has turned the 2026 World Cup into a career‑defining saga, guiding Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England in New Jersey. His Messi delivered two crucial assists, pushing his tally to 8 assists and 8 goals, making him the joint top scorer and second‑highest assister.

The match saw Messi roam from centre to right wing, completing nine dribbles and nine crosses – the first player since 1966 to do so in a knockout game. He set up the equaliser from a corner and the injury‑time winner, cementing his reputation as the ‘GOAT’.

Co‑coach Lionel Scaloni hailed him as the best player in history, while ex‑England figures like Joe Hart and Mikel gained admiration for his creativity. Messi also eclipsed the all‑time World Cup goal record, now standing at 21 goals, fifteen of them after turning 35.

After retiring in 2016, Messi returned to win Copa América twice, lifted the 2022 World Cup, and joined Inter Miami in MLS. He continues to reinvent himself, having scored or assisted in 13 straight matches for club and country, a testament to his enduring brilliance.