Messi breaks historic World Cup record, leaves Mbappé behind

Lionel Messi has once again etched his name into football history, setting a new FIFA World Cup record as Argentina secured a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland to book their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. The Argentine captain’s latest milestone headlines a tournament that continues to rewrite football’s record books.

Messi delivered another masterclass, creating constant danger for the Swiss defense and providing a decisive corner-kick assist for Alexis Mac Allister. That assist took his overall World Cup tally to 10 assists, the highest recorded by any player since 1966, moving him ahead of Argentine legend Diego Maradona, who finished with eight.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also produced 20 shot-creating passes at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first footballer since 1966 to achieve that feat across three separate World Cup editions. His consistency at the biggest stage continues to set him apart from every generation before him.

Messi also strengthened another remarkable achievement by becoming one of only two players in World Cup history to register 10 or more goal contributions in two different editions of the tournament. The only other player to accomplish that feat is France’s Kylian Mbappé, underlining the extraordinary standards both stars have maintained on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina’s attacking depth has also been on full display. Striker Julián Álvarez scored another crucial knockout-stage goal, meaning four of his five World Cup goals have come in elimination matches. He has now equaled Diego Maradona’s knockout scoring record, with only Messi standing ahead among Argentine players with seven knockout goals.

The reigning champions have also matched another historic benchmark by scoring three or more goals in four consecutive World Cup matches, equaling the longest such streak in tournament history. Argentina have additionally netted three goals from corner kicks during this World Cup, matching the highest total ever recorded by a single team in one edition.

Meanwhile, England booked their own semifinal spot with a 2-1 victory over Norway. Rising star Jude Bellingham continued his impressive campaign, earning comparisons with Brazilian icon Pelé after another influential display at a young age.

The tournament itself has produced history beyond individual performances. For the first time since the FIFA rankings were introduced in 1992, the tournament’s top four seeded teams have all reached the semifinals. It is also only the third World Cup—after 1970 and 1990—in which all four semifinalists are former world champions.

Another remarkable trend has emerged during the knockout rounds, with eight matches extending into extra time, equaling the record for the most in a single World Cup edition. With the semifinals still to come, the 2026 tournament is already being remembered as one of the most dramatic and record-breaking World Cups ever played.