Lionel Messi’s record in FIFA World Cup semi-finals: Goals, Assists and complete history

Lionel Messi has managed ten goal contributions so far in the tournament.

Lionel Messi has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to grace the sport, with the player being crucial at both the domestic and international levels. For Argentina, Messi has undoubtedly been the nation’s best player in the modern era, guiding the nation to four major titles, including a World Cup victory in 2022.

The Argentina national football team entered the competition with the massive task of defending their title, to become only the third nation to achieve the feat. Lionel Messi’s role in Argentina’s run so far has been instrumental.

He started the campaign exceptionally, scoring an astonishing hat-trick in a 3-0 win against Algeria. He then scored a brace against Algeria despite missing a penalty, with Messi ending his group stage outing scoring a brilliant free-kick against Jordan, ending with six goals in three matches.

Lionel Messi scored the opening goal in Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time win over tournament debutants Cape Verde. He was then vital in their unbelievable comeback victory against Egypt, scoring one goal and assisting another, becoming only the fifth player to score in five consecutive World Cup outings.

His scoring streak ended against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. However, Messi registered his second assist of the tournament, assisting Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal, as Argentina ultimately won 3-1 after extra time.

With the victory, Messi has confirmed his first-ever career international meeting against rivals England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on July 16 at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.

Lionel Messi’s Record in World Cup Semi-Finals

• Appearances: 2
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 1

1. 2014: Argentina 0-0 Netherlands (4-2 on penalties)

Facing a highly organized Netherlands side, who were making their second consecutive semi-final appearance. Lionel Messi was heavily contained after manager Louis van Gaal deployed several players on the Argentinian.

After a gruelling 120 minutes finished on a 0-0 draw, the match progressed to a penalty shootout. Stepping up to take Argentina’s first penalty, Messi displayed immense composure to slot his kick past Jasper Cillessen, leading his side to a 4–2 victory to reach his first World Cup final.

2. 2022: Argentina 3-0 Croatia

Lionel Messi produced one of the best individual performances in recent editions, against Croatia, the World Cup 2018 runners-up. He opened the scoring in the 34th minute, after the team won a penalty, with him putting his kick right into the top corner past Dominik Livaković.

In the 69th minute, Messi provided a magical moment, collecting the ball at the halfway line, getting past defender Joško Gvardiol to deliver a perfect cut-back assist for Julián Álvarez to complete a comfortable 3-0 win, as Argentina secure moved on the final, as the player secured his first-ever World Cup title.

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