Lionel Messi’s influence at this World Cup goes well beyond his own goal tally. His corner for Alexis Mac Allister’s opener against Switzerland in the quarter-final marked his tenth World Cup assist and all ten have come for ten different teammates.
10 – Lionel Messi’s 10 FIFA World Cup assists have set up goals for 10 different players.
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— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 12, 2026
Messi’s vision throughout the tournament has been just as striking. He has now completed 20 passes leading to shots at this World Cup, becoming the first player since 1966 to reach that mark in three separate editions, having also done so in 2022 and 2014.
Argentina needed extra time to see off a stubborn Switzerland side, eventually winning 3-1 through late goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez after Dan Ndoye had levelled for the Swiss following Mac Allister’s opener. Breel Embolo’s second half red card ultimately proved costly for Switzerland, who were reduced to ten men in the second half.
The result sends Argentina through to a semi-final against England, with Messi now two games away from adding to his all-time record of 21 World Cup goals as he chases a second consecutive title with his country.
Photo: REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
