Lionel Messi added another amazing event FIFA World Cup Saturday, becoming the first player in history to record 10 assists in a game since the record began in 1966. The Argentinian captain hit his stride during his side’s quarter-final against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, creating a 10th-minute corner as Alexis Mac Allister fired into the net.
Most FIFA World Cup support projects (since 1966)
| Responsibility | A player | The world | Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 10 |
| 2 | Diego Maradona | Argentina | 8 |
| =3 | Pierre Littbarski | Germany | 7 |
| =3 | Grzegorz Lato | Poland | 7 |
The goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead and marked the first time the host champions had scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was also the first time Switzerland had come from behind in the competition, having conceded just three goals in their previous five games. Messi’s latest assist further cemented his status as one of the greatest players in World Cup history. He now stands alone at the top of the all-time assists charts with 10, moving two away from Argentine legend Diego Maradona. The 39-year-old continues to excel in football, including goals and assists as Argentina claim a record fourth World Cup. The defenders are aiming to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy. Argentina entered the quarterfinals after a long-time win against Cape Verde in the Round of 16 before coming from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt with three goals in 11 minutes. A win in Switzerland would send Lionel Scaloni’s side into the semifinals against England, who beat Norway 2-1 earlier on Saturday. The fourth quarter final is scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Wednesday.
