Lionel Messi makes history with record assists in World Cup qualifiers

Lionel Messi has once again etched his name in football history, becoming the first player to achieve 12 assists in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Notably, 10 of these assists came during the qualification matches themselves, a testament to his consistent playmaking ability throughout the campaign.

Messi was instrumental in Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in a recent match, providing two crucial assists that turned the tide of the game. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, further highlighting his impact on the field. This pivotal win propelled Argentina into the World Cup final.

This will be Messi's third appearance in a World Cup final. He previously reached the final in 2014, where Argentina was defeated by Germany, and then achieved ultimate glory in 2022, winning the tournament against France. His continued presence in the final stages of the competition underscores his enduring legacy in international football.