​Lionel Messi delivered another defining World Cup performance as Argentina defeated England 2-1 to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.The defending champions recovered from a goal down, with Enzo Fernández equalizing in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in stoppage time.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMessi’s influence again proved decisive. His pinpoint cross created Martínez’s winning goal, sending Argentina into a third World Cup final under his captaincy. The victory also puts Argentina one win away from becoming the first nation to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.MORE: Kylian Mbappe faces harsh criticism after France’s World Cup semifinal defeatSpeaking after the semifinal, former Real Madrid and Liverpool winger Steve McManaman praised Messi’s remarkable longevity.“Yes, very much so. I mean, his career has been exceptional since he was, what, 17 years of age at Barcelona,” McManaman said. “We’re now talking about a 39-year-old. This is unprecedented. I know Cristiano Ronaldo‘s 41, but this man has taken them to another World Cup final.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMcManaman stressed that Messi continues to deliver when the stakes are highest. “His numbers are still as high as they can be,” he said. “And when there’s big moments and you need your big moment player, he just turns up time and time and time again.”McManaman believed Messi’s assist against England ranked among his finest World Cup moments.“Yesterday, I think, could be arguably one of his better moments because of what he did and where he put that cross for Lautaro Martínez,” McManaman said.He also highlighted the quality of Messi’s decision-making in a crowded penalty area. “England had seven, eight, nine centre-half defenders on, yet he still picked out Lautaro Martínez, who was free in the penalty area. That shows the class of the man.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMessi’s tournament has backed up those words. He has scored eight goals and provided four assists while adapting his game at 39. Rather than relying on pace, he has controlled matches through positioning, vision, and precise execution.MORE: Carli Lloyd says she owes Christian Pulisic ‘no apology’ after injury newsThe final against Spain now offers another historic opportunity. Messi is set to appear in his third World Cup final, matching Brazil legend Cafu. His latest display reinforced why elite players are measured by decisive moments. Once again, when Argentina needed inspiration, Messi supplied it on the biggest stage.