Messi has broken Maradona’s record and taken the lead in the 2026 World Cup scoring charts
Lionel Messi was one of the key players in Argentina’s 3–2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Argentina came back from two goals down to score three goals in the final 11 minutes of normal time and stoppage time, advancing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
With the score at 0–2 in the 79th minute, Messi delivered a cross from the right flank, which Christian Romero headed home. This assist was the Argentine’s ninth at World Cups. As a result, he overtook Diego Maradona, who had eight assists to his name, and became the sole record-holder in World Cup history for this statistic.
Five minutes later, Messi equalised himself, firing a precise shot from inside the penalty area into the top corner. This goal was his eighth at the 2026 World Cup. The striker took sole possession of the top spot in the tournament’s scoring charts, ahead of Kylian Mbappé of France and Erling Haaland of Norway, who have seven goals each.
Furthermore, Messi has broken his own record for the number of goals scored at World Cups. He now has 21 World Cup goals to his name, two more than Kylian Mbappé, who has 19.
The Argentine has also extended his record-breaking scoring run at World Cups. He has now found the net in nine consecutive matches, scoring a total of 13 goals during this run.
Despite his impressive performance, Messi missed a penalty in the first half. In the 21st minute, he failed to beat Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir. This is the Argentine’s second missed penalty in the current tournament, and he has become the first player in World Cup history to miss two penalties in a single tournament.
After the final whistle, Lionel Messi could not contain his emotions. His team-mates praised the captain’s contribution to the victory.
“Watching Leo run and push himself to work even harder every day, I told him he deserves this. He is our role model, our leader and the person who helps us at any moment. This team is incredible. It never gives up and fights right to the very end,” said Lautaro Martínez.
Julian Alvarez also praised his team-mate’s performance.
“To be honest, it’s hard to find the words to describe Leo’s World Cup performance. What he’s doing is incredible. We’re just trying to help him, support him and enjoy every moment by his side. We’re grateful to him for everything he does for us, and for the kind of person he is. He’s a legend. The best footballer in history,” said Álvarez.
In the World Cup quarter-finals, Lionel Scaloni’s team will face Switzerland. Argentina continue to defend their title as reigning world champions, which they won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
