Messi Matches Pelé's 1970 World Cup Record

Lionel Messi didn't add to his goal tally during the semi-final clash against England, but he was once again instrumental in Argentina's qualification for the 2026 World Cup final. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner assisted both of his team's goals, scored by Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. With these two assists, Messi has pulled ahead of Kylian Mbappé in the race for the World Cup's Golden Boot. Both players have eight goals, but the Argentine now boasts four assists, while the Real Madrid forward has three.

Even more remarkably, all four of Messi's assists at the 2026 World Cup have come in the knockout stages – one for Cristian Romero in the Round of 16 against Egypt, one for Alexis Mac Allister in the quarter-final against Switzerland, and the two against England. This makes Leo the first player to record four assists in the knockout phase of a World Cup since Pelé in 1970.