Lionel Messi breaks another World Cup record after making a milestone that no player has ever matched
Lionel Messi continues to rewrite the history books on soccer’s biggest stage, producing another unforgettable World Cup moment in In Argentinaa stunning semifinal victory In England. With the final against Spain looming, the legendary player added another incredible achievement to a tournament already littered with records and historic performances.
Messi and Argentina survived one of the tightest matches of the 2026 World Cup, coming from behind to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta. The result secured La Albiceleste’s place in a second successive World Cup final, but the night was also Messi’s latest.
This spectacular clash was steeped in history before a ball was even kicked. The two national teams entered the game with decades of rivalry, an unforgettable encounter, and the pressure of reaching the World Cup finals on the line.
The game itself quickly became a physical battle, with neither team able to gain control in a chaotic opening period. The first half produced many mistakes, interceptions, and few attacking opportunities, with teams struggling to create clear chances.
England finally got a stick in the 55th minute Anthony Gordon finished off a well-worked move to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead. Argentina responded by increasing the pressure, and Messi was once again the man in the middle of the comeback attempt.
Argentina’s late comeback brings England home
The defending champions refused to give up, going forward again and again as the Three Lions tried to protect their advantage. The pressure finally paid off there Enzo Fernandez scored in the 85th minuteArgentina’s goal shoots and sends the fans inside the stadium into celebration.
After just a few minutes, Messi presented another important moment. The Argentina captain created space on the right side earlier producing a perfectly weighted cross for Lautaro Martinez, who returned home during the suspension to complete the return.
Victory means the champions will face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final as they chase another tournament. Messi has once again shown his ability to influence games at the highest level, as he approaches the final stages of his illustrious career.
Messi breaks the World Cup record that has not been seen since 1966
Apart from this amazing victory, Messi also achieved a record that could not be reached by generations of soccer stars. The Argentina captain became the player with the most assists in FIFA World Cup history, reaching 12 assists throughout his tournament.
In accordance with Choose Joe“Messi’s two assists against England made him 12 World Cup assists, 10 of which came during the qualifiers.
The milestone puts the 39-year-old ahead of the biggest names in football history. Brazilian legend Pele previously held the record for assists with 10, while the likes of Diego Maradona, Raymond Kopa, and Fritz Walter also sit among the tournament’s top scorers.
Messi’s record is very impressive when you look at the stage in which he has produced most of his assists. Ten of his 12 assists at the World Cup came in the knockout stages, highlighting his influence when the pressure is at its highest.
| Level | The player | National Team | It helps | World Cup Games |
| 1. | Lionel Messi | In Argentina | 12 | 33 |
| 2. | First | Brazil | 10 | 14 |
| 3. | Fritz Walter | West Germany | 9 | 11 |
| 4.= | Raymond Kopa | France | 8 | 8 |
| 4.= | Diego Maradona | In Argentina | 8 | 21 |
| 4.= | Uwe Seeler | West Germany | 8 | 21 |
Messi overtakes Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot
Messi’s 2026 campaign continued with the amazing way he showed during Argentina’s run to the championship in Qatar. The 39-year-old has been an integral part of Argentina’s attack throughout the tournament, contributing goals and assists in all stages of the competition.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina applauds the fans
Before the semi-final against England, Messi had already recorded participation in every match for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. His consistency has placed him among the best scorers and creators in the tournament, and has also kept him in contention for individual awards.
| Level | The player | National Team | Goals | It helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lionel Messi | In Argentina | 8 | 4 |
| 2. | Kylian Mbappe | France | 8 | 3 |
| 3. | Erling Haaland | in Norway | 7 | 0 |
| 4. | Harry Kane | In England | 6 | 1 |
| 5. | Jude Bellingham | In England | 6 | 1 |
The Argentina captain has overtaken Kylian Mbappe in the race for the golden boot after his two assists against England. Both players entered the semifinals with eight goals, but Messi’s extra assists gave him the tiebreaker.
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