Messi dethrones Yamal as 2026 World Cup’s top dribbler (full list)

Lionel Messi has rolled back the years to become the leading dribbler at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overtaking Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

The 39-year-old Argentine captain climbed to the summit after completing nine successful dribbles during his country’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England on Wednesday.

Messi now has 24 successful dribbles at the tournament, two more than 19-year-old Yamal, who previously led the chart with 22.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also produced two assists as Argentina recovered from a goal down to eliminate England and reach another World Cup final.

England appeared on course for victory after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, but Messi inspired a stunning late turnaround.

He created Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser in the 85th minute before supplying the cross from which Lautaro Martinez headed home the stoppage-time winner.

The latest statistics set up another fascinating battle between Messi and Yamal, with Argentina and Spain now scheduled to meet in Sunday’s final.

Brazil winger Vinicius Junior occupies third position with 16 successful dribbles.

Germany’s Jamal Musiala and France’s Michael Olise are tied on 15, while Ibrahim Maza and Kylian Mbappe have completed 14 each.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Paraguay’s Julio Enciso complete the top nine with 13 successful dribbles apiece.

World Cup’s leading dribblers
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