3 Records Lionel Messi Achieved During Argentina vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 Match: Check Details

1

Even at 39 years old, Lionel Messi is still rewriting the footballing history books. Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt in the Round of 16 at the Atlanta Stadium was not just a testament to La Albiceleste’s champions’ mettle, but a history lesson from their talismanic captain.

The Rosario-born maestro, who led the second-half comeback, hit three huge milestones, further cementing his legacy as the greatest to ever play the game. Here is a look at the three legendary records Lionel Messi broke or matched in Tuesday’s chaotic knockout clash:

1. Most Assists in FIFA World Cup History

With the 2026 tournament just beginning, Messi was already well on his way to taking over the top spots in the all-time creative charts for the tournament. In the 79th minute of Tuesday’s match, with Argentina trailing and in need of a spark, Messi provided a pass to centre-back Cristian Romero.

A cracking piece of play officially opened his assist account for the 2026 edition. More importantly, it brought his career total to nine assists all time in World Cup history. In that single moment, Messi surpassed legendary Diego Maradona, who held the record with eight assists, to become the indisputable number one playmaker in tournament history.

2. First Player To Score in Six Consecutive Knockout Matches

When it’s needed the most, Messi always delivers. So having done his monumental playmaking bit, the maestro then decided to take matters into his own hands in the 83rd minute. Messi, who had a first half penalty saved, scored a clinical leveller to make it 2-2.

Messi did this, and became the first footballer in the world to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cup knockout games. His historic scoring streak stretches back to Argentina’s magical, golden run through the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals and Final at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and rolls along through the knockout rounds of the 2026 tournament.

3. Most Goals by an Argentinean in a Single World Cup Edition

It was Messi’s eighth goal of the tournament, his critical equaliser against Egypt. The scoring spree saw him equal the long-standing record for the most goals scored by an Argentine player in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Messi scored eight goals in North America, surpassing the legendary Guillermo Stabile, who scored seven goals in the first-ever 1930 World Cup. Messi already leads the World Cup all-time goalscoring charts but now he has the dual crowns for most goals and most assists in tournament history.