In Argentina’s 2‑1 semi‑final victory over England, Lionel Messi delivered two sparkling assists that moved him to the forefront of the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot contest. By setting up Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez seven minutes later, Messi’s assist tally rose to four, surpassing France’s Kylian Mbappé, who has only two assists despite sharing the eight‑goal haul.

Background and Statistics

The 39‑year‑old has logged every minute of Argentina’s four knockout games, conserving his energy for decisive moments. Earlier in the tournament he scored crucial goals against Cape Verde and Egypt, and supplied an assist in the 3‑1 extra‑time win over Switzerland in the quarter‑finals. With eight goals and four assists, Messi now holds a record‑high assist count for a single World Cup, complementing his 21 career World Cup goals.

Rivals’ Position

Mbappé remains level on goals, but Messi’s superior assist count puts him ahead. Both players have one match remaining: France will meet England for the third‑place playoff, while Argentina will clash with Spain in the final. England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham sit at four and five with six goals each, and Norway’s Erling Haaland, currently third with seven goals, cannot improve his tally after his team’s quarter‑final exit.

Implications for the Final

Should Argentina win the final, Messi’s Golden Boot triumph becomes almost inevitable, as Mbappé will be absent from the decisive match. Moreover, Messi’s play‑making prowess underscores a shift in how greatness is measured—beyond scoring, creating chances has become the new benchmark for football legends.