Lionel Messi Odds to Score vs. England in the World Cup Semifinal

Asher Hyre Updated: 4 hours ago

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have undoubtably been the best players at the each of the past two World Cup tournaments, and the two stars are tied for the tournament lead with eight goals.

Messi has added to his all-time tally of 21 career World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose in this year's tournament. Mbappe is following closing behind with 20 career World Cup goals.

The 39-year-old has led a squad that is hoping to be the first country to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. While Messi has been terrific, and Argentina is back in the semifinal, their run to get to this point has been anything but smooth.

After a flawless group phase, La Albiceleste needed extra time to eliminate World Cup debutants Cape Verde. They then staged a dramatic comeback in the round of 16, scoring three goals in the final ten minutes to defeat Egypt when elimination seemed certain. Another extra-time battle was required to knock Switzerland out in the quarterfinals.

Now they'll face the best team they've seen in the tournament in England.

England's journey has not been entirely smooth either. The Three Lions managed a goalless draw against Ghana in the group stage and delivered a lackluster performance against DR Congo, only managing to turn the game around in the final 15 minutes.

They had a masterful performance against Mexico in a hostile environment, but also had to come from behind to defeat Norway. Though, if there's one thing England has proven, it's their killer instinct in front of goal, where their predatory forwards have consistently found a way to overcome their opponents.

With a spot in the final on the line, past performances carry less weight, especially considering both nations have a winning mentality embedded in their DNA. Everything is still to play for, and Messi will want to establish his dominance early.

Here's a look at the odds for Lionel Messi to score, assist, and more for Argentina against England in the World Cup semifinals.