Messi breaks Maradona's World Cup assist record and matches another feat

Argentina edged past Egypt in a tense Round of 16 encounter at the 2026 World Cup, booking their spot in the quarterfinals. Lionel Messi, now 39, was the defining figure: he scored, set up a teammate, and also missed a penalty in the 21st minute. His assist to Cristian Romero in the 83rd minute was his ninth at World Cups, moving him past Diego Maradona's record of eight (tracked since 1966). Messi also matched the legendary No. 10 in another category — he completed more than five successful dribbles and created more than five chances for his teammates in a single World Cup match. Maradona had done the same against Belgium back in 1986. With that assist, Messi now stands alone as Argentina's all-time World Cup playmaker, adding another chapter to his endless legacy.