Lionel Messi Creates FIFA World Cup History, Becomes First Player To..

Published 12 July 2026 · sports

Lionel Messi Creates FIFA World Cup History, Becomes First Player To... Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 07:47 IST Argentine captain Lionel Messi continues

Lionel Messi Creates FIFA World Cup History, Becomes First Player To... Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 07:47 IST Argentine captain Lionel Messi continues to break record and set new milestones at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Rapid Read Lionel Messi has been in terrific form during the world cup. (AFP Photo) Stop him if you can. Lionel Messi cannot stop soring or providing assists. At the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, the Argentine maestro has created more history by becoming the first footballer in the tournament’s rich history to provide 10 assists. Messi had overtaken the all-time record of 8 assists set by the legendary Diego Maradona earlier in the tournament when Argentina came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the pre-quarters last week. 3 Players With Most Assists In FIFA World Cup History Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 9 Diego Maradona (Argentina) – 8 Pierre Littbarski (Germany) & Grzegorz Lato (Poland) – 7 Messi has now provided two assists thus far in the ongoing world cup where Argentina are aiming to retain the crown, they won beating France in the final in 2022.

The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also scored the joint-most goals in the competition so far, currently tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe with eight goals each. Messi got Argentina off to a brilliant start against Switzerland in their FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, delivering a perfect corner kick that Alexis Mac Allister headed home to give the reigning champions a 1-0 lead at halftime. The defensive-minded Swiss had only conceded three goals in five games, and they had dominated the ball in the opening minutes at Arrowhead Stadium. But Messi once again made his mark, helping to earn a corner and ultimately turning it into a 10th-minute goal. It was the earliest Argentina has scored in this World Cup. And the first time the Swiss have trailed. The goal took some early pressure off La Albiceleste, who struggled to beat Cape Verde in extra time to start the knockout rounds, then needed three goals in 11 minutes to rally from a 2-0 deficit to beat Egypt earlier this week.

Argentina took the lead in their quarterfinal against Switzerland, with Messi’s precisely delivered corner finding Alexis Mac Allister who powered in a header to hand the defending champions a 1-0 advantage before the half-time at the Kansas City Stadium. Switzerland have been known for their disciplined defensive approach in the ongoing tournament and prior to Saturday’s quarterfinal, had allowed just three goals across their last five games. The Swiss though controlled possession during the opening stages before Messi-led Argentines seized the initiative through a corner. The strike marked Argentina’s fastest goal of the tournament and was also the first time Switzerland had fallen behind at this World Cup. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent.