Messi, Argentina Discover Pickford's Penalty Cheat Sheet After World Cup Semi-Final Win
Argentina captain Lionel Messi and his teammates reportedly discovered England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's penalty "cheat sheet" after their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
Pickford had prepared detailed notes on Argentina's penalty takers, taping them to his water bottle in anticipation of a possible shootout. However, England's defeat in normal time meant the goalkeeper never had the chance to put his plan into action.
According to TalkSport, the notes contained the names of Argentina's players alongside specific instructions on how Pickford intended to face each penalty.
Some entries advised him to delay his dive or feint in one direction before committing, while others were more straightforward.
For Lionel Messi, the notes reportedly suggested diving one way after initially shaping to go the other, anticipating that the Argentina captain might alter his usual penalty routine.
Midfielder Thiago Almada's entry simply advised Pickford to rely on instinct.
Tottenham defender Marcos Senesi was seen explaining the English-written notes to Messi during Argentina's celebrations.
Enzo Fernandez, who equalised with a long-range strike in the match, reportedly reacted with relief after noticing that Pickford had predicted he would aim a penalty down the middle.
Images of the water bottle and its handwritten notes quickly spread across social media after Argentina fitness coach Luis Martin and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shared them online.
Although Pickford delivered several impressive saves during the match, his carefully prepared shootout strategy ultimately went unused as Argentina secured victory before penalties were needed.
Reports suggest the leaked notes could also benefit Spain ahead of Sunday's World Cup final, with goalkeeper Unai Simón potentially gaining insight into Argentina's penalty-taking tendencies if the title decider is settled from the spot.
Pickford had prepared detailed notes on Argentina's penalty takers, taping them to his water bottle in anticipation of a possible shootout. However, England's defeat in normal time meant the goalkeeper never had the chance to put his plan into action.
According to TalkSport, the notes contained the names of Argentina's players alongside specific instructions on how Pickford intended to face each penalty.
Some entries advised him to delay his dive or feint in one direction before committing, while others were more straightforward.
For Lionel Messi, the notes reportedly suggested diving one way after initially shaping to go the other, anticipating that the Argentina captain might alter his usual penalty routine.
Midfielder Thiago Almada's entry simply advised Pickford to rely on instinct.
Tottenham defender Marcos Senesi was seen explaining the English-written notes to Messi during Argentina's celebrations.
Enzo Fernandez, who equalised with a long-range strike in the match, reportedly reacted with relief after noticing that Pickford had predicted he would aim a penalty down the middle.
Images of the water bottle and its handwritten notes quickly spread across social media after Argentina fitness coach Luis Martin and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shared them online.
Although Pickford delivered several impressive saves during the match, his carefully prepared shootout strategy ultimately went unused as Argentina secured victory before penalties were needed.
Reports suggest the leaked notes could also benefit Spain ahead of Sunday's World Cup final, with goalkeeper Unai Simón potentially gaining insight into Argentina's penalty-taking tendencies if the title decider is settled from the spot.
