Two incredible Lionel Messi stats highlight his impact in Argentina’s World Cup comeback vs. England
· Yahoo Sports
Argentina are back in the World Cup final following their 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta last night, as Lionel Messi spearheaded their comeback.
After going down by one goal, courtesy of Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, Argentina threw everything at England, who were content to maintain their lead but to no avail. Messi teed up Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to complete the comeback.
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While Messi gets the credit for his goal involvements, his impact for La Albiceleste goes beyond the typical stats. According to ESPN, the Inter Miami forward ran 5.2 miles against the Three Lions – his most in a match this World Cup that didn’t go to extra time.
He also completed nine dribbles – the most any player has completed in a match this World Cup. For context, the entire England team combined only had seven successful dribbles. Moreover, Messi had seven touches in the opposition box and four chances created – the same as every English player added together.
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July 15, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi in action with England’s Harry Kane. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesLionel Messi dedicates Argentina’s latest win to Diego Maradona
During his post-match interview, Lionel Messi paid tribute to Diego Maradona, who guided Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals en route to eventually winning it all.
“I’m sure Diego is enjoying this so much from up above. It goes for him, this was always a very special day… I’m happy of being able to give him this joy, and I hope he celebrates it however he wants from up there and enjoys it,” Messi stated via Fabrizio Romano.
“We’re lucky to have lived in Diego’s era. I never wanted to compare myself to him, and I know he loved me. I choose to hold on to all the beautiful moments we shared together,” he added.