Messi Breaks World Cup Assist Record

Lionel Messi made FIFA World Cup history after providing another assist during Argentina’s Round of 16 victory over Egypt, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider.

The Messi World Cup assists record was achieved in Tuesday’s match in Atlanta when the Argentina captain set up Cristian Romero for a crucial goal. The assist was Messi’s ninth at the FIFA World Cup, moving him ahead of Argentina great Diego Maradona, who previously held the record.

The 39-year-old also registered his first assist of the FIFA World Cup 2026 during the victory over Egypt. Before this tournament, Messi recorded three assists at the 2022 World Cup against Croatia, the Netherlands and Croatia again.

His creative influence has remained consistent throughout his World Cup career. At the 2018 tournament, Messi produced two assists, both in Argentina’s Round of 16 defeat to France. He also recorded one assist in each of the 2014, 2010 and 2006 editions.

The Messi World Cup assists milestone adds another achievement to an already remarkable international career. Alongside becoming the competition’s leading assist provider, the former Barcelona star also remains the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Messi further strengthened that record during Tuesday’s encounter by scoring Argentina’s equaliser in the 83rd minute before the defending champions completed a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt.

The latest performance underlined Messi’s continued importance to Argentina as they progressed to the World Cup quarterfinals. His ability to both create and score decisive goals once again proved vital in one of the tournament’s most memorable knockout matches.

The Messi World Cup assists achievement further cements his place among football’s greatest players, combining exceptional creativity with a remarkable goalscoring record on the sport’s biggest stage.

Where do you rank Lionel Messi among the greatest players in World Cup history?