Argentina’s World Cup 2026 semi-final win over England on Thursday (2-1) is accompanied by a viral moment involving goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s penalty notes. Multiple outlets report that after the match, Argentina players found or obtained an England goalkeeper water bottle left on/near the pitch. The bottle reportedly had pre-written notes outlining where Pickford planned to dive during a penalty shootout against different players. Several accounts say Lionel Messi, along with teammates, looked through the markings and displayed visible amusement, with Messi’s reaction drawing particular attention online.
The semi-final itself did not proceed to a penalty shootout. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, Enzo Fernandez equalised late, and Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in stoppage time to seal Argentina’s comeback. With the result confirmed, the goalkeeper notes were never used in a shootout. The incident becomes an additional talking point as Argentina advances to the World Cup final, where it will play Spain, while Messi continues his campaign for another tournament title.
