England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s detailed penalty notes on Argentina’s players were discovered by Lionel Messi and his teammates after their 2-1 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, according to reports.
The notes, taped to Pickford’s water bottle, were reportedly found as Argentina celebrated their comeback victory over England in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon before Enzo Fernandez equalised, with Argentina scoring the winner later in the match to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain and render a penalty shootout unnecessary.
According to TalkSport, Pickford had prepared individual instructions for every potential Argentina penalty taker in anticipation of a shootout.
The report said some of the notes advised the England goalkeeper to delay his movement or disguise the direction of his dive, while others contained shorter tactical reminders.
For attacking midfielder Thiago Almada, Pickford reportedly wrote that he would rely on instinct if the player stepped up to take a penalty.
The notes also included a specific plan for Messi, with Pickford reportedly intending to shape as though he was diving one way before changing direction, anticipating that the Argentina captain might alter his usual penalty routine after previously missing from the spot earlier in the tournament.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Marcos Senesi was reportedly seen explaining the English-written notes to Messi after they were found.
Pickford’s assessment of Fernandez also attracted attention, with the England goalkeeper reportedly predicting the midfielder would aim his penalty down the middle.
Fernandez was said to have reacted with visible relief after reading the note and realising his preferred spot had been correctly identified.
TalkSport also reported that an image of Pickford’s water bottle was shared on Instagram by Argentina fitness coach Luis Martin, although the image could not be independently verified on the account.
The photograph was later circulated widely on social media after being reposted by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Goalkeepers routinely study opponents’ penalty-taking habits before major knockout matches, analysing previous spot-kicks, preferred shooting directions, body positioning and changes in technique under pressure.
Although Pickford produced several important saves during the semi-final, his penalty research ultimately proved unnecessary as Argentina secured victory in normal time before penalties were required.
According to AS USA, the leaked notes could also prove useful to Spain ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, with the report suggesting goalkeeper Unai Simón may benefit from Pickford’s observations on Argentina’s penalty takers, including the assessment that Fernandez often aims down the middle.