Argentina Captain Lionel Messi Makes History by Becoming the World Cup’s All-Time Assists Leader During a Thrilling 3–2 Victory Over Egypt in the Knockout Stage
A Historic Performance
Lionel Messi continues to redefine greatness on football’s biggest stage. During Argentina's heart-stopping 3–2 comeback win against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, the legendary captain achieved two monumental milestones.
By providing the assist for Cristian Romero’s goal, Messi reached nine career tournament assists, officially surpassing Diego Maradona to become the all-time leader in World Cup assists. He followed this by scoring a powerful volley to tie the match, marking his 21st career World Cup goal. This latest strike also keeps him atop the 2026 Golden Boot race with eight goals. Messi’s ability to influence high-stakes matches remains unmatched, as he single-handedly fueled Argentina’s late rally to keep their championship defense alive. His performance serves as a reminder that even under immense pressure, he remains the heartbeat of his nation.