Overview
- Lionel Messi supplied two late assists to set up Argentina’s 2-1 comeback win over England on Wednesday, sending the defending champions into the World Cup final against Spain on July 19.
- The assists raised Messi’s World Cup totals to a record 12 assists and 21 career goals, cementing his place as the tournament’s all‑time leader in both categories.
- Messi has been noncommittal about playing in 2030 and said he will continue only as long as he can contribute; he is under contract with Inter Miami through 2028.
- Crypto reporters noted sharp, short‑lived spikes in trading volume for Argentina’s $ARG fan token around high‑drama matches, a pattern that mirrors the boom‑and‑bust token moves seen in 2022.
- At 39, Messi’s late‑game influence keeps Argentina on course to attempt back‑to‑back World Cups and positions him to become the first player to start three World Cup finals while his rival Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 tournament was his last.