Lionel Messi reaches a World Cup milestone no player has achieved before

Lionel Messi created FIFA World Cup history on Saturday by becoming the first player to register 10 assists at the tournament since records began in 1966. The Argentina captain reached the milestone during his side's quarterfinal against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, delivering a precise corner in the 10th minute that Alexis Mac Allister headed into the net.

The goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead and marked the earliest the defending champions have scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was also the first time Switzerland had trailed in the tournament after conceding only three goals in their previous five matches.

Messi moves clear of Diego Maradona in World Cup assist charts

Messi now tops the all-time FIFA World Cup assist rankings with 10, moving two clear of fellow Argentine great Diego Maradona, who recorded eight assists. Germany's Pierre Littbarski and Poland's Grzegorz Lato are tied for third with seven assists each.

Rank	Player	Country	Assists
1	Lionel Messi	Argentina	10
2	Diego Maradona	Argentina	8
=3	Pierre Littbarski	Germany	7
=3	Grzegorz Lato	Poland	7

Argentina chase fourth World Cup title

The 39-year-old has continued to make decisive contributions as Argentina pursue a fourth FIFA World Cup title. The reigning champions are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup crown.

Argentina reached the quarterfinal after an extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the Round of 16 before overturning a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt with three goals in an 11-minute spell.

Semifinal against England awaits if Argentina progress

A victory over Switzerland would send Lionel Scaloni's side into a semifinal against England, who defeated Norway 2-1 earlier on Saturday. The semifinal is scheduled to be played in Atlanta on Wednesday.