FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: The FIFA World Cup has always been the platform where Argentina’s greatest football legends have made their mark. Diego Maradona’s heroics in 1986 are perhaps the most iconic individual campaign in football history, but four decades later, Lionel Messi is now within touching distance of surpassing one of those legendary achievements.
As Argentina prepare to face England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, the 39-year-old captain has another opportunity to add his name to the history books while leading La Albiceleste one step closer to a second consecutive World Cup final.
Messi Eyes Maradona’s Four-Decade-Old World Cup Milestone
Messi has been the heartbeat of Argentina’s attack throughout the tournament, combining goals, creativity and relentless influence in every match. Across six appearances, he has registered 54 total shot involvements a combination of shots attempted and chances created.
Only one player has ever recorded more in a single FIFA World Cup campaign since detailed data has been tracked: Diego Maradona, whose extraordinary 1986 tournament produced 59 shot involvements (29 shots and 30 chances created) while inspiring Argentina to the title in Mexico.
Messi has already accumulated 33 shots and 21 chances created, leaving him just six attacking involvements away from overtaking Maradona’s long-standing record. If he does, he would become the first player since detailed World Cup records began to surpass Maradona’s iconic 1986 attacking output in a single tournament.
England Face Messi as History Beckons Again
England’s biggest challenge in Atlanta will not simply be stopping Argentina, it will be containing a Messi who continues to dominate the world’s biggest stage.
The Inter Miami superstar enters the semi-final after scoring eight goals, putting him level with Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. Another decisive display against England could not only move Argentina within one win of retaining the World Cup but also push Messi ahead in the race for the tournament’s top scorer.
Interestingly, this will also mark Messi’s first-ever FIFA World Cup meeting with England, adding another fascinating chapter to one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
Whether it is goals, assists, creativity or record-breaking performances, Messi continues to redefine longevity at the highest level. If he delivers once more against England, he won’t simply edge Argentina closer to another World Cup final—he could also eclipse a Maradona record many believed would stand forever, further strengthening his extraordinary World Cup legacy.
