Lionel Messi (left) celebrates with Alexis Mac Allister (second left) after scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute of the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium, the United States, on July 11, 2026. (Photo: AP)
Lionel Messi (left) celebrates with Alexis Mac Allister (second left) after scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute of the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium, the United States, on July 11, 2026. (Photo: AP)

According to Opta statistics, Argentine legend Diego Maradona ranks second with eight World Cup assists, while Germany’s Pierre Littbarski and Poland’s Grzegorz Lato share third place with seven.

Messi also became the first player to record an assist in six different World Cup tournaments. In addition, he has provided assists to 10 different teammates at the World Cup.

Messi already holds several World Cup records, including the most tournament appearances (six), the most matches played (32), the most goals scored (21), the oldest player to score a hat-trick (38 years and 357 days), and the longest consecutive scoring streak (nine matches).

Messi also became only the fourth player to appear in four World Cup quarter-finals, joining Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler.