There have not been many players in the history of football who have influenced the FIFA World Cup as much as Lionel Messi. The Argentine star was a teenage sensation when he made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006 and grew into the captain and the player to lift the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
He has now established himself in the sport's pantheon. However, one more historic achievement for Messi may happen in the next FIFA World Cup, scheduled for 2026.
The 2026 competition is likely to be the last time the Inter Miami icon will represent his country at a World Cup, and it presents him with the perfect chance to break one of the final records still owned by the legendary Brazilian, Pelé.
And the record is ironically not to do with goals. It is with assists, a number that truly typifies the vision, imagination, and creative flair of two of the game's finest players.
Messi Chasing Pelé’s All-Time World Cup Assist Record
At present, Pelé is the record holder for the most assists in FIFA World Cup history, with a staggering 10 assists to his name over four World Cups from 1958 to 1970. And now Messi is catching up very quickly.
With eight World Cup assists so far, in fact, from five different tournaments, the Argentine playmaker might even surpass the Brazilian legend by 2026.
Messi’s World Cup Assist Timeline
Germany 2006 – 1 assist
South Africa 2010 – 1 assist
Brazil 2014 – 1 assist
Russia 2018 – 2 assists
Qatar 2022 – 3 assists
Pelé’s Legacy Still Looms Large
Pelé is still the king of ALL the records when it comes to FIFA World Cups, as Messi inches toward him. However, Pelé also has a second piece of FIFA World Cup history: most assists in a single tournament. He has six total assists in one World Cup, and this record has been untouched for decades… it is one of the greatest individual accomplishments at the World Cup.
Messi could match or surpass these records if successful; this is yet another great chapter in his phenomenal international career.
Argentina’s Favorable Group Could Help Messi
The world champions seem to have a comfortable group stage in this tournament. This can possibly bring many opportunities for Messi to make records.
Argentina will start off their tournament against Algeria on June 16th, then play Austria on June 22 nd before meeting Jordan on June 28 th.
With a good support structure of teammates, Messi is expected to be the fulcrum of the attacking play of Argentina.
Álvarez, Lautaro, and Enzo Could Boost Messi’s Numbers
Messi has a distinct advantage from having quality players around him. This includes the following players linking up with the Argentine captain: Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández
With all of their movement, finishing skill, and how they play with Messi, they'll likely be able to help Messi add more assists to his total for the tournament.
The Argentine legend can dictate games and create opportunities for others through intelligence, range of passing, and unparalleled vision, even at age 39.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will definitely be a roller coaster of emotions for the fans. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the truth is the tournament could be Messi's goodbye to the stage where his name has been engraved so deeply.
In fact, there is a significant move beyond the emotional level, which has resulted in a fascinating narrative that is also worthy of the event.
Beating Pelé's record in assists will make it undeniable that Messi is not only among the greatest scorers in the history of football but also one of the most brilliant creators that the game has ever witnessed.
And if experience has taught football fans one thing at least, it is this: whenever the biggest stage demands a performance, Lionel Messi is the one who always steps up.
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