Lionel Messi is now close to breaking long-held Diego Maradona World Cup record in the USA

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Lionel Messi has once again spearheaded Argentina’s World Cup charge, and he is now closing in on a Diego Maradona record.

The 39-year-old is firmly in the hunt for the World Cup Golden Boot alongside Kylian Mbappe, with both players having netted eight goals in six games.

Next up for Messi is a first-ever meeting against England in the semi-finals of the tournament, and he will once again be looking to add to his goal tally.

The Three Lions should be genuinely worried about the form of the Argentine phenomenon, who has just beaten a long-standing World Cup record.

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Lionel Messi closing in on Diego Maradona’s shot involvement record​

Data from Opta Joe shows that Lionel Messi is now the player with the second-most shot involvements in a single World Cup campaign.

The Inter Miami star has managed 54 shot involvements this summer, including 33 shots and 21 chances created.

This is the most any player has managed in a single World Cup campaign since Diego Maradona back in 1986, when he won the tournament.

During the 1986 edition of the World Cup, the Napoli legend managed 29 shots and 30 chances created, which is more than any other player.

But Messi is now well in contention to break that record when he takes the field on Wednesday to face England in the semi-finals.

The former Barcelona man has never faced England previously, but he will be desperate to fire his nation to yet another World Cup final.

Messi is already the new World Cup top scorer, and now the forward is set to break yet another record.

Read more:

• World Cup final yet to sell out, tickets still available on FIFA website at eye-watering price
• Argentina make match request ahead of facing England in the World Cup semi-final
• England fans face Wembley disappointment if Three Lions reach World Cup final due to Bruno Mars

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