Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 stats and odds: Argentina captain 19/4 to assist against England

Argentina survived yet another stern examination to keep their World Cup title defence alive, defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a dramatic quarter-final in Kansas City.

Lionel Scaloni's side took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, but Dan Ndoye restored parity in the second half before Switzerland were reduced to 10 men following Breel Embolo's dismissal.

Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina had to wait until the 112th minute for Julian Alvarez to produce a moment of brilliance and restore their lead.

Lautaro Martinez then wrapped up the victory in stoppage time of extra time, sealing Argentina's place in the semi-finals, where they will face England, who beat Norway 2-1 in the other quarter-final.

Ahead of Argentina's last semi-final meeting with England, we take a closer look at Messi's key stats and betting odds.

Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 stats

• Appearances: 6
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 2
• Yellow cards: 0
• Red cards: 0
• Shots per game: 5.5
• Scoring frequency: 66 mins
• Big chance created: 7
• Big chance missed: 3
• Ground duels won: 6.3
• Key passes per game: 3.7
• Tackles per game: 1.5
• Expected goals (xG): 5.25
• Distance covered: 4.7 km

With eight goals to his name, Messi is level with Kylian Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot standings, although the France captain currently leads the race on assists, having registered three compared to the Argentine's two.

Erling Haaland remains on seven goals despite Norway's elimination, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six goals each and both England stars will have the opportunity to overtake the Norwegian in the semi-finals.

The spotlight will once again be on the Argentina captain when he leads his side out against England in a blockbuster last-four clash.

Unsurprisingly, bookmakers expect the 39-year-old to play a decisive role, with Messi priced at 31/20 (2.55) to score anytime and 19/4 (5.75) to register an assist during the match.

Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 odds

The following are selected standout individual odds for Messi in Argentina's World Cup 2026 group game against England.

• To score anytime: 31/20.
• To make an assist: 19/4
• To score last: 4/1
• To score first: 4/1
• To score a hat-trick: 50/1
• To score 2+ goals: 17/2
• To be shown a card: 8/1
• To be sent off: 75/1
• To score or assist: 10/11
• To be booked first: 28/1

Messi has been just as effective as a creator as he has been in front of goal, registering two assists at the 2026 World Cup, just one behind Kylian Mbappe.

The Argentina captain is priced at 19/4 (5.75) to provide an assist against England, and that looks one of the standout player markets given his current form.

Punters can also back Messi at 10/11 (1.91) to score or assist during the match. For those looking at the goalscoring markets, Messi is available at 31/20 (2.55) to score anytime and 4/1 (5.0) to score either the first or last goal.