Argentine captain delivers two assists and nine dribbles in semi-final thriller, but Nigerian legend’s 1994 record remains unmatched

Argentina captain Lionel Messi delivered a scintillating performance to inspire his side’s 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but fell short of surpassing the long-standing dribbling record held by former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha.

Messi, 39, provided assists for Enzo Fernández’s late equaliser and Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner after England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in Atlanta.

The victory secured Argentina’s place in a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face Spain.

According to Opta and Sofascore, Messi completed nine successful dribbles, created four clear-cut chances, recorded 94 touches, and made seven touches inside England’s penalty area. Opta noted that he became the first player since detailed World Cup records began in 1966 to register at least nine successful dribbles and two assists in a single knockout match.

Despite the remarkable feat, Messi remains behind Okocha’s World Cup record of 15 successful dribbles, set during Nigeria’s 2-1 extra-time defeat to Italy in the Round of 16 at the 1994 tournament. Okocha achieved the milestone against an Italian defence featuring Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta—a record that still stands as the highest in the competition’s history.

Messi’s performance also extended his run to 11 consecutive World Cup matches with either a goal or an assist.

The Argentine captain now leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain.

Okocha’s record remains one of the most enduring individual achievements in World Cup history, with greats such as Jairzinho, Paul Gascoigne, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, and Jamal Musiala all falling short of the Nigerian legend’s remarkable dribbling feat.