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Lionel Messi once again reminded the football world why he is regarded by many as the greatest players ever, Footynaija reports.
However, even another magical World Cup display from the Argentine legend could not take away one of Nigeria’s most famous football records.
The Argentina captain inspired his side to a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, sending the defending champions into another World Cup final.
England had gone ahead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute before Messi changed the game late on. He set up Enzo Fernández for the equaliser in the 85th minute and then delivered a perfect cross for Lautaro Martínez to score the winner in stoppage time.
Messi finished with nine successful dribbles, two assists, 94 touches and four chances created. He also became the first player since detailed World Cup records began in 1966 to register at least nine successful dribbles and two assists in a knockout match. He now has eight goals and four assists in the tournament and will lead Argentina into the final against Spain.
However, one famous World Cup record remains safely in Nigerian hands.
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha still holds the record for the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup match. During Nigeria’s dramatic Round of 16 clash against Italy at the 1994 tournament, Okocha completed an incredible 15 successful dribbles against a defence featuring stars such as Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta.
More than 30 years later, no player has matched that achievement. Greats like Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Jairzinho, Paul Gascoigne and now Messi have all produced memorable dribbling displays, but Okocha’s unforgettable performance against Italy remains the highest single-match dribbling total in World Cup history.
