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Messi assists in semi-final as Argentina advances in World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 8:18 AM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Messi assists in semi-final as Argentina advances in World Cup

Summary

Lionel Messi provided two assists in Argentina's semi-final victory over England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With this performance, Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, edging out France's Kylian Mbappé, who has eight goals and three assists. Messi's total of 21 career World Cup goals marks him as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Argentina will face Spain in the final, while Mbappé's France will compete against England in the third-place play-off. Assists serve as the primary tiebreaker for the Golden Boot, with total minutes played as the next criterion.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi's assists helped Argentina defeat England to reach the final.
•He has eight goals and leads the Golden Boot standings.
•Mbappé trails closely with eight goals and three assists.
•Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
•Messi holds the record for most goals in World Cup history with 21.

Latest Updates

8:18 AMYahoo Sports — Messi's two assists put him top in World Cup Golden Boot race

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi's two assists in the semi-final win over England have put the Argentina captain top again in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot award for the tournament top scorer going into the final two matches. Messi has eight goals and four assists to lead France skipper Kylian Mbappé who has eight goals and three assists.
— Yahoo Sports

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FIFA World Cup Soccer