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At the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup. Now, after Argentina’s remarkable comeback against Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday, he is also the tournament’s all-time assists leader.
Messi, whose 21 goals are the most by a single player in FIFA World Cup history, recorded the ninth assist of his career in the tournament, giving him the most assists in World Cup history. Another Argentine legend, Diego Maradona, previously held the record with eight assists.
Messi broke the record with his assist in Argentina’s victory against Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday at Atlanta Stadium. Messi found Cristian Romero in the area and the center back hit him with his head to close the gap for Argentina down 2-0.
Messi further contributed to the cause in the 83rd minute with a goal after an impressive volley from inside the area. It was Messi’s 21st goal of all time and eighth of the tournament, now making him the sole leader in the race for the Golden Boot. Messi was previously tied with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
Argentina completed the comeback in the second minute of added time, when Enzo Fernández sent a header into the right side of the net after an assist from Lisandro Martínez. Argentina scored three goals in 14 minutes to hand Egypt a shocking defeat.
Argentina will now play against the winner of Colombia vs. Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
