Messi scripts history: surpasses Maradona as all-time assists leader. Lionel Messi added another historic achievement to his legendary career on Tuesday night in Atlanta. After Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, Messi recorded his ninth career World Cup assist. This surpasses the previous record of eight held by fellow Argentine icon Diego Maradona. The record was broken in dramatic fashion, as Messi set up Cristian Romero’s header to start Argentina’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit.
Messi scripts history not only with the assist record but also with his own stunning volley in the 83rd minute to equalize. Enzo Fernández then completed the turnaround in stoppage time. With this performance, Messi now has 12 goal contributions in World Cup knockout stages—six goals and six assists—surpassing both Pelé and Kylian Mbappé for the most in the last 60 years. He also became the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup appearances.
At 39 years old, competing in his sixth and final World Cup, Messi continues to break records. He holds the most World Cup appearances by any player, male or female, with 30. The assists record, along with goals and appearances records, now belong to him. Croatia’s Ivan Perisic, with six assists, was eliminated, making Messi scripts history look secure for years to come.
In short, Messi scripts history once again, proving his unmatched influence on the world’s biggest stage. His record-breaking assist, crucial goal, and match-winning impact reminded everyone why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. The record books at this World Cup belong entirely to Lionel Messi.