Sport

Okocha’s World Cup dribbling record survives Messi challenge

Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England, but remained six short of Jay-Jay Okocha’s record of 15 in one match.

By Exceltim

1 min read 7 views Updated Aug 27, 2026
Former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha’s long-standing World Cup record remains intact after Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England. Messi also created both of Argentina’s late goals as the defending champions recovered from a goal down to reach the final against Spain.

Okocha completed 15 successful dribbles during Nigeria’s round-of-16 match against Italy at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The Nigerian midfielder achieved the feat over 120 minutes, although the Super Eagles eventually lost 2-1 after extra time.

Messi’s performance produced the highest reported dribbling total by a player at the 2026 tournament but left him six short of Okocha’s single-match record. Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final as Messi seeks to help his country retain the title.

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Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England, but remained six short of Jay-Jay Okocha’s record of 15 in one match. Former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha’s long-standing World Cup record remains intact after Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England. Messi also created both...

Key takeaways
  • Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England, but remained six short of Jay-Jay Okocha’s record of 15 in one match.
  • Former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha’s long-standing World Cup record remains intact after Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
  • Messi also created both of Argentina’s late goals as the defending champions recovered from a goal down to reach the final against Spain.Okocha completed 15 successful dribbles during Nigeria’s round-of-16 match against Italy at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
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Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England, but remained six short of Jay-Jay Okocha’s record of 15 in one match. Former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha’s long-standing World Cup record remains intact after Lionel Messi completed nine successful dribbles during Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England. Messi also created both...

Who published this story?

Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Exceltim listed as author.

When was it published?

July 17, 2026

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