Lionel Messi has walked 47% of the distance he has covered at this World Cup, more than any other outfield player, yet has scored eight goals for Argentina.
At 39, he is playing in his sixth World Cup and has added three assists. His 33 shots and 21 chances created give him a combined total of 54, while he has covered an average of 8.2km per 90 minutes, the least among Argentina’s outfield players with substantial playing time.
Messi is averaging 2.7 sprints per match, down from 5.3 four years ago. England will face Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final at Atlanta Stadium, kicking off at 20:00 BST. Across Messi’s past 15 World Cup appearances, only Poland have prevented him from scoring or assisting.
Argentina are seeking to become the first team since 1962 to retain the World Cup. Victory over England would take Messi to a third final with his country.
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