Argentina captain Lionel Messi has climbed to the top of the successful dribblers’ chart at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, overtaking Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reached the milestone during Argentina’s 2-1 comeback victory over England in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Messi produced another masterclass, completing nine successful dribbles and providing two assists as goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina’s place in the World Cup final.
According to official FIFA World Cup statistics released on Wednesday, the 39-year-old has now recorded 24 successful dribbles in the tournament, moving ahead of Yamal, who has 22.
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior occupies third place with 16 successful dribbles, while Germany’s Jamal Musiala and France’s Michael Olise are joint fourth with 15 each.
The top successful dribblers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are led by Messi (24), followed by Yamal (22), Vinicius Junior (16), Jamal Musiala (15), Michael Olise (15), Ibrahim Maza (14), Kylian Mbappe (14), Jude Bellingham (13) and Julio Enciso (13).
