Argentina captain Lionel Messi has moved to the top of the successful dribbles chart at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his impressive display in the semi-final against England.
The Inter Miami forward inspired Argentina to a 2-1 comeback victory, contributing two assists as Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored to send the defending champions into the final.
Messi also completed nine successful dribbles during the encounter, taking his tournament total to 24.
Argentina captain overtakes Lamine Yamal
According to official FIFA World Cup statistics, Messi has overtaken Spain winger Lamine Yamal to become the tournament’s leading dribbler.
Yamal had previously occupied the top spot, but Messi’s performance against England moved him ahead as the World Cup heads into its final stages.
The achievement further highlights the 39-year-old’s influence as Argentina chase another world title.
World Cup 2026 successful dribbles rankings
The current standings for successful dribbles at the tournament are:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 24
- Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 22
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 16
- Jamal Musiala (Germany) – 15
- Michael Olise (France) – 15
- Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) – 14
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 14
- Jude Bellingham (England) – 13
- Julio Enciso (Paraguay) – 13
Messi eyes another World Cup milestone
With Argentina now through to the World Cup final, Messi has another opportunity to extend his lead in the dribbling statistics while chasing another major international title.
His latest performance against England adds to an already remarkable tournament in which he has continued to play a decisive role for Lionel Scaloni’s side.