Messi shines but Okocha’s World Cup dribble record stands
Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance as Argentina defeated England in a dramatic World Cup semi-final comeback. Despite his impressive display, Messi was unable to surpass the long-standing dribble record set by former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha. Messi achieved several milestones in the match, but Okocha’s record from a previous World Cup remains unbeaten. The match highlighted both Messi’s brilliance and the enduring legacy of Okocha’s achievement.
Match highlights
- Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles against England, the highest at the 2026 tournament.
- He became the first player since 1966 to record at least nine dribbles and two assists in a World Cup knockout match.
- Messi set up Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser and assisted Lautaro Martinez’s winning goal.
- Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha’s record of 15 successful dribbles in a single World Cup match, set against Italy at Foxboro Stadium on July 5, 1994, remains unbeaten.
- Messi has now registered a goal or assist in 11 consecutive World Cup matches and leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists.
