Four years after lifting the World Cup in what many believed was his final appearance at the tournament, Lionel Messi has once again reached football’s biggest stage. At 39, the Argentina captain produced another decisive performance, helping his team overturn England’s lead and secure a place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

The forward provided two assists in the 2-1 victory, taking his tally at the 2026 tournament to four assists and eight goals. That puts him among the leading scorers and also makes him one of the competition’s most creative players.

Argentina will now face Spain in the final in New Jersey, a meeting that carries extra meaning given Messi’s long connection with Spanish football. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni again praised his captain, saying there was little left for him to prove after everything he has achieved.

Former England international Micah Richards also highlighted the difference made by Messi’s presence, saying that the biggest moments belong to players of his quality.

England unable to contain the Argentina captain

Messi had never previously faced England in his career, but Thomas Tuchel’s side will not want to repeat the experience. The veteran forward spent much of the first half operating through the middle, showing flashes of quality before the match changed after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute.

As England moved deeper and introduced more defensive players, Argentina began controlling possession. During the following 37 minutes, they dominated the ball, and Messi became increasingly influential after moving towards the right side.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez later explained that using Messi on the wing became a key part of Argentina’s comeback. The forward completed nine successful dribbles and created two goals, becoming the first player since records began in 1966 to achieve that combination in a World Cup knockout match.

His impact was greater than England’s entire team in several attacking categories. Messi recorded seven touches inside the opposition penalty area, matching the total number achieved by every English player combined, while also creating four chances and delivering nine crosses.

The decisive moments came late. First, he helped create the equaliser when Enzo Fernandez struck from outside the box in the 85th minute. Then, in stoppage time, his delivery allowed Lautaro Martinez to score the winning goal with a header.

Richards described Messi as a player who can appear quiet for long periods before suddenly changing a match, while Joe Hart said England’s defensive approach gave the Argentine star the freedom to decide the game.

England captain Harry Kane admitted his team handled Messi for much of the contest but acknowledged that the world’s greatest players only need one opportunity to make the difference.

The Golden Boot battle remains open

Messi has continued rewriting his World Cup record during this tournament, reaching 21 goals across his World Cup appearances and adding to his overall Argentina scoring total. A large part of that World Cup tally has come after he turned 35.

The eight goals he has scored in 2026 have already surpassed his previous tournament total from 2022. He is now level with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, with the France forward still having a third-place play-off match against England to play.

Jude Bellingham and Kane remain close behind with six goals each. If players finish with the same number of goals, assists become the deciding factor, and Messi currently leads that comparison with four assists compared with Mbappe’s three.

The Argentina captain could also finish as the tournament’s leading creator, sitting just one assist behind France’s Michael Olise. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson praised his influence, describing him as a player who has delivered both goals and moments of inspiration throughout the competition.

The question of another world cup appearance

Messi’s international career has already included several dramatic changes. In 2016, after losing a World Cup final and three Copa America finals, he stepped away from Argentina duty before returning later.

Since then, he has added two Copa America titles and finally won the World Cup in 2022. At that time, many believed the final missing achievement of his career had been completed.

His move away from European football in 2023 appeared to suggest that he was entering the final stage of his career, and even his participation in this summer’s tournament was not always considered certain. Instead, Messi has remained one of Argentina’s most important players.

His style has evolved, with the forward covering less ground than many teammates but continuing to influence matches through his vision and decision-making. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has noted that Messi has repeatedly adapted his role throughout his career.

The Argentina star has now contributed a goal or assist in 13 straight matches for club and country. Another decisive contribution in the final against Spain would match a personal record from 2011.

A victory on Sunday would also see Messi become only the second player after Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals. Although another World Cup appearance in 2030 seems unlikely with Messi turning 43, his latest performances have shown that predictions about his future are becoming increasingly difficult.