Lionel Messi is scripting World Cup history, becoming the first player to…

Argentine Lionel Messi (10) (AP photo) Lionel Messi added another milestone to his remarkable World Cup career on Saturday, becoming the first player in history to record 10 assists at the tournament since records began in 1966. The Argentina captain reached the milestone during his side’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, creating a corner that Alexis Mac Allister headed into the net in the 10th minute.

Most assists in a FIFA World Cup (since 1966)

RankingPlayerCountryAssists1Lionel MessiArgentina102Diego MaradonaArgentina8=3Pierre LittbarskiGermany7=3Grzegorz LatoPoland7 The goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead and was the first the reigning champions had scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was also the first time Switzerland had fallen behind in the tournament, having conceded just three goals in their previous five matches. Messi’s latest assist further cemented his status as one of the greatest playmakers in World Cup history. He now stands alone at the top of the all-time assists list with 10, moving two ahead of Argentine legend Diego Maradona. The 39-year-old continues to perform on football’s biggest stage, combining for goals and assists as Argentina seek a historic fourth World Cup title. The defending champions are aiming to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy. Argentina entered the quarter-finals after surviving a thrilling extra-time win over Cape Verde in the Round of 16 before coming back in dramatic fashion from 2-0 down to beat Egypt with three goals in 11 minutes. Victory over Switzerland would send Lionel Scaloni’s side into the semi-finals against England, who beat Norway 2-1 on Saturday. The final four games are scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta.