Messi breaks World Cup all-time assists record as Argentina stun Egypt in stunning comeback

Lionel Messi is now the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leader in both goals and assists after Argentina came from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 at Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 tournament.

Messi’s record-breaking ninth World Cup assist came when he picked out Cristian Romero in the box and the centre-back headed Argentina back into the contest at 2-1. The mark surpassed the eight assists previously held by fellow Argentine legend Diego Maradona, cementing Messi’s status as the most productive player in the tournament’s history.

The 37-year-old then made it 2-2 in the 83rd minute with a stunning volley from inside the box — his 21st World Cup goal across all tournaments and his eighth of this edition. That tally now gives him the outright lead in the Golden Boot race, pulling clear of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, with whom he had previously been level.

Argentina completed the turnaround in the second minute of stoppage time when Enzo Fernández headed home from a Lisandro Martínez assist, completing a three-goal swing in just 14 minutes that left Egypt stunned.

The victory sends Argentina into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of Colombia versus Switzerland.