Best Lionel Messi Props & Odds: Today's Expert Prop Picks for World Cup Semifinal
To advance to their first World Cup final in 60 years, England must try to nullify the unrelenting threat posed by the GOAT. My best Lionel Messi props for today's Argentina vs. England World Cup semifinal (3 p.m. ET, FOX) analyze the maestro's chances of scoring or assisting against a defense that hasn't been nearly as watertight as it was during qualification.
The picks below are part of the World Cup best bets.
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⚽ Best Lionel Messi props: July 15
See all of our experts' World Cup picks based on the latest World Cup odds and favorites.
| 💰 Best bets | 📊 Best odds | ⚖️ Wager (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Messi to score or assist | -120 via FanDuel | 0.5 unit -> 0.42 units |
| Messi anytime goalscorer including extra time | +130 via FanDuel | 0.5 units -> 0.725 unit |
| Messi first goal scorer including extra time | +425 via DraftKings | 0.5 unit -> 2.13 units |
Total wagered: 1.5 units | Max profit: 3.27 units
💰 Best Lionel Messi prop prediction
Messi to score or assist vs. England (-120)
No matter the stage, Messi delivers. That point becomes even more pronounced on the world's biggest stage, where the GOAT takes no prisoners. He scored or assisted in 12 of the previous 13 World Cup matches dating back to Argentina's 2022 championship.
The last time he failed to get on the scoresheet in a World Cup match was in the third group game of the 2022 tournament against Poland.
I have no doubt England will snuff out his danger for the most part (and a low-scoring game is what Gordon Brunt's England vs. Argentina prediction calls for), but Messi only needs a millisecond to cause catastrophic damage.
🔥 More Lionel Messi props for Wednesday's semifinal
Messi anytime goal including extra time (+130)
Messi is the all-time leading goal scorer at World Cups, bagging 21 goals in 32 matches. As if that's not staggering enough, his recent goal-scoring record is even more impressive, with the diminutive one netting at least one goal in 11 of the previous 13 World Cup matches.
He's scored 15 goals during that stretch. That outrageous run includes eight in the current tournament, tied for the lead atop the Golden Boot scoring chart.
I love the additional 30 minutes this pick provides, as I predict this match will go to extra time in my World Cup predictions and expert picks.
Messi first goal scorer including extra time (+425)
The offered odds make this pick too appealing to overlook. Messi potted the first goal in eight of the previous nine World Cup matches in which he started. The only exception was against Holland in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals.
Most Argentina attacks go through their midfield maestro. And most importantly, he takes the team's penalties despite missing his last two from the spot. I can't see Lionel Scaloni taking the penalty duties away from the GOAT anytime soon.
📅 World Cup best bets today
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