He already had a list of goals. He already had a prominent reputation. Tuesday night in Atlanta, Lionel Messi he also took a helping hand.After Argentina’s stunning win against Egypt in the Round of 16, Messi recorded his ninth World Cup assist, giving him the most assists in World Cup history, surpassing the Argentine legend. Diego Maradonawho previously held the record with eight.The record breaking aid came at a critical time. Argentina trailed Egypt 2-0 when Messi found Cristian Romero in the box, and the defender headed home to return and start one of the World Cup’s greatest performances. Messi then equalized in the 83rd minute with a stunning volley inside the box, before Enzo Fernández completed the conversion in stoppage time. Argentina won 3-2, and Messi affected the game in every way imaginable – record assists, crucial goals, match-winners.Messi’s ninth assist makes him the most in World Cup history, a record shared between him and Maradona on eight occasions each.Croatia’s Ivan Perisic had six assists left, but Croatia were knocked out by Portugal in the round of 16, meaning the record looks completely safe.The numbers come in and defy belief. Messi now has 12 goals per game FIFA World Cup stage knockout, six goals and six assists, surpassing both Pelé and Kylian Mbappé for many years in the last 60 years. He has also become the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in eight consecutive matches.Messi has played 30 World Cup matches in six tournaments, the most in the history of any player, male or female, at a single World Cup.At 39 years of age. In his sixth and final World Cup. In a race with a bigger stage and a longer travel map than any other version before it.Maradona made a history of support. Klose scored the goals. Marta had all the scoring records. One by one, Messi has taken them all. The record books at this World Cup belong to one man and on Tuesday night in Atlanta, he reminded the world why.