Lionel Messi has made World Cup history again, becoming the tournament’s all-time leader for both goals and assists as Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to beat Egypt 3–2 in the 2026 Round of 16.
Earlier in the tournament, Messi moved clear as the World Cup’s top scorer with his 21st goal, and he has now added a new record with his ninth assist on football’s biggest stage.
That assist pushed him past Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who previously held the World Cup record with eight assists.
Messi broke the record in Tuesday’s knockout tie at Atlanta Stadium, where defending champions Argentina were staring at a shock exit.
He delivered a pinpoint ball into the box for centre-back Cristian Romero, who rose to power in a header and cut Egypt’s lead to 2–1.
Messi then deepened his impact in the 83rd minute by scoring on a stunning volley from inside the area, drawing Argentina level at 2–2.
The goal was his 21st at World Cups and his eighth of this tournament, putting him out in front in the Golden Boot race after previously being tied with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
Argentina completed the turnaround in the second minute of stoppage time when Enzo Fernández met a cross from Lisandro Martínez and steered a header into the right corner.
The South Americans scored three times in 14 frantic minutes, flipping a 2–0 deficit into a 3–2 victory and knocking Egypt out in heartbreaking fashion.
With the win, Argentina booked a place in the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Colombia vs Switzerland tie.
