Messi surpasses Yamal to become World Cup’s leading dribbler after Argentina’s semi-final win
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has climbed to the top of the list of players with the most successful dribbles at the ongoing 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 clash.
Messi produced another impressive display, completing nine successful dribbles and creating two assists as goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez secured Argentina’s qualification for the World Cup final.
According to official FIFA World Cup statistics released on Wednesday, the 39-year-old forward has now recorded 24 successful dribbles, moving ahead of Yamal, who has 22.
Brazil forward Vinicius Junior occupies the third position with 16 successful dribbles, while Germany’s Jamal Musiala and France’s Michael Olise are tied in fourth place with 15 each.
Top successful dribblers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- Lionel Messi – 24
- Lamine Yamal – 22
- Vinicius Junior – 16
- Jamal Musiala – 15
- Michael Olise – 15
- Ibrahim Maza – 14
- Kylian Mbappe – 14
- Jude Bellingham – 13
- Julio Enciso – 13