Lionel Messi scripts FIFA World Cup history, becomes first player to...

Times of India Published Jul 12, 2026 Reviewed Jul 12, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Lionel Messi became the first player in history to register 10 assists at the FIFA World Cup since records began in 1966.

10 assists · Lionel Messi

Diego Maradona has 8 career FIFA World Cup assists since 1966.

8 assists · Diego Maradona

Pierre Littbarski has 7 career FIFA World Cup assists since 1966.

7 assists · Pierre Littbarski

Grzegorz Lato has 7 career FIFA World Cup assists since 1966.

7 assists · Grzegorz Lato

Switzerland had conceded only three goals in their previous five matches in the tournament.

3 goals · Switzerland

Argentina produced a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt with three goals in an 11-minute spell.

2 goals · Argentina (down by)3 goals · Argentina (scored)11 minutes · goal-scoring spell

Lionel Messi added another milestone to his remarkable FIFA World Cup career on Saturday, becoming the first player in history to register 10 assists at the tournament since records began in 1966. The Argentina captain reached the landmark during his side's quarterfinal clash against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, producing a pinpoint corner in the 10th minute that Alexis Mac Allister headed into the net.Most career FIFA World Cup assists (since 1966)RankPlayerCountryAssists1Lionel MessiArgentina102Diego MaradonaArgentina8=3Pierre LittbarskiGermany7=3Grzegorz LatoPoland7 The goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead and marked the earliest the reigning champions have scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It was also the first time Switzerland had fallen behind in the tournament, having conceded only three goals in their previous five matches. Messi's latest assist further strengthened his status as one of the greatest playmakers in World Cup history. He now stands alone atop the all-time assist charts with 10, moving two clear of fellow Argentine legend Diego Maradona.

The 39-year-old has continued to deliver on football's biggest stage, combining goals and assists as Argentina pursue a historic fourth World Cup title. The defending champions are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy. Argentina entered the quarterfinal after surviving a tense extra-time win over Cape Verde in the Round of 16 before producing a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt with three goals in an 11-minute spell.

Argentina's victory over Switzerland sent Lionel Scaloni's side into the semifinals, where they will face England, who defeated Norway 2-1 earlier on Saturday. The last-four clash is scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Wednesday.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.

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