World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi Overtakes Lamine Yamal to Top Dribbling Rankings (Full List)

• Lionel Messi has climbed to the top of the FIFA World Cup dribbling rankings after a dazzling display against England, overtaking Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal to become the tournament’s most successful dribbler.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has overtaken Spain sensation Lamine Yamal to become the leading dribbler at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reached the milestone during Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in Wednesday’s semifinal.

Messi once again produced a vintage performance, completing nine successful dribbles and providing two assists as late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez secured Argentina’s place in the World Cup final.

According to the latest official FIFA World Cup statistics, the 39-year-old now leads the tournament with 24 successful dribbles, moving ahead of Yamal, who has 22.

Brazil winger Vinícius Júnior occupies third place with 16 successful dribbles, while Jamal Musiala of Germany and France’s Michael Olise are tied in fourth with 15 each.

Top successful dribblers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 24
2. Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 22
3. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 16
4. Jamal Musiala (Germany) – 15
5. Michael Olise (France) – 15
6. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) – 14
7. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 14
8. Jude Bellingham (England) – 13
9. Julio Enciso (Paraguay) – 13

With Argentina now preparing to face Spain in the World Cup final, Messi will have another opportunity to extend his lead at the top of the tournament’s dribbling charts while chasing a second consecutive World Cup title.