Lionel Messi leads Argentina into a crucial matchup against England in the second semifinal of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. With just two wins needed for Argentina to clinch back-to-back World Cups, Messi's performance is under the spotlight, especially after France's Kylian Mbappe, currently at eight goals, faced a setback in his scoring against Norway.

Messi, who remains a favorite for the Golden Boot, has a unique opportunity to extend his lead in the scoring charts, having scored in five of Argentina's six matches, including standout performances with two and three goals. Despite a scoreless outing against Switzerland in the quarterfinals, he contributed with an assist, underscoring his pivotal role in the team's success.

Betting Odds on Messi:

• Anytime Goalscorer: +145
• To Score 2+ Goals: +1000
• To Score a Hat Trick: +6000

Argentina enters the match as +106 underdogs, while England holds the advantage at -124. Many bettors are looking towards Messi for scoring prop options, especially considering his historical performance in World Cups. Notably, he has scored in 11 of 13 World Cup matches over the past two tournaments, boasting 21 career World Cup goals, a record.

Additional Player Props:

• 2+ Shots on Goal: +105
• 3+ Shots on Goal: +360
• 4+ Shots on Goal: +1100

Brandt Sutton, a seasoned soccer analyst, emphasizes the importance of tactical insights and player form in making informed betting choices. With Messi's track record and the stakes of a World Cup semifinal, all eyes will be on him as Argentina seeks to continue their quest for glory.