World Cup: 'Don't Wake the Beast!' Messi's Superhuman Performance; French Star Says England Made a Mistake

Lionel Messi's stellar performance, including two critical assists, propelled Argentina to a 2-1 comeback victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. This win secures Argentina's spot in the final for the second consecutive tournament.

“

He reminded us that he is human. He missed some penalties... but then he reminded everyone that he is not an ordinary person. I was his teammate, like you just mentioned. For Leo, sometimes... never wake the beast.

The match was marked by frequent physical contact and minor skirmishes between the teams. Notably, England's 23-year-old star midfielder Jude Bellingham had a verbal altercation with Messi during the game.

Thierry Henry, a former teammate of Messi's at Barcelona and now a FOX commentator, lauded the Argentinean's display. "He reminded us that he is human. He missed some penalties... but then he reminded everyone that he is not an ordinary person. I was his teammate, like you just mentioned. For Leo, sometimes... never wake the beast," Henry said on the broadcast.

“

I've seen this happen in training... when the coach doesn't call a foul and tells him 'stop complaining,' and the ball is out of bounds. Then you see his eyes, he switches modes. Then he starts to win the ball, scores 3 goals, so next time call the foul!

Henry elaborated on this sentiment, drawing parallels to training sessions. "I've seen this happen in training... when the coach doesn't call a foul and tells him 'stop complaining,' and the ball is out of bounds. Then you see his eyes, he switches modes. Then he starts to win the ball, scores 3 goals, so next time call the foul!" he explained. "When he gets into that state, he is unstoppable. He always elevates his game when the team needs him. Someone who played 120 minutes just a few days ago is now able to get the ball, try to dribble past everyone."

“

When he gets into that state, he is unstoppable. He always elevates his game when the team needs him. Someone who played 120 minutes just a few days ago is now able to get the ball, try to dribble past everyone.