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Lionel Messi approaches Diego Maradona record in World Cup semi-final

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 12:15 PM

Last updated Jul 13, 2026

Lionel Messi approaches Diego Maradona record in World Cup semi-final

Summary

Lionel Messi leads Argentina into the World Cup semi-finals against England, continuing his pursuit of a long-held record by Diego Maradona. Messi has scored eight goals in six matches, tying with Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot. He also stands second in shot involvements this tournament, with 54, just behind Maradona's record of 59 set in 1986. The match is pivotal for Messi, who aims to secure a place in the finals and further his remarkable World Cup legacy.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Latest Updates

•Messi has scored eight goals in this World Cup campaign.
•He leads with 54 shot involvements, second-most in a single tournament.
•A match against England marks Messi's first meeting with the Three Lions.
•Messi seeks to break Maradona's record for shot involvements.

Latest Updates

12:15 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi is now close to breaking long-held Diego Maradona World Cup record in the USA

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi has once again spearheaded Argentina’s World Cup charge, and he is now closing in on a Diego Maradona record. The 39-year-old is firmly in the hunt for the World Cup Golden Boot alongside Kylian Mbappe, with both players having netted eight goals in six games.
— Yahoo Sports

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