Lionel Messi Aims to Break Pelé Milestone At 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi is determined to exceed Pelé’s assist record in his last World Cup appearance. Messi’s extraordinary journey encompasses 13 goals and 8 assists in World Cup tournaments.
The captain of Argentina is dealing with a minor injury concern, but is still on course for the World Cup. He has already authored five unforgettable chapters in World Cup history, including guiding Argentina to victory at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
As he prepares for what is anticipated to be his sixth and final World Cup appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, the Argentine captain has the chance to pursue another historic milestone currently held by Brazilian legend Pelé.
Interestingly, this record is not associated with goals, even though both players rank among the greatest scorers in football history. Instead, Messi is nearing Pelé’s World Cup assists record during the concluding phases of his football career.
The 38-year-old approaches the 2026 World Cup as a reigning champion after assisting Argentina in defeating France in the 2022 final.
Messi currently surpasses Pelé in World Cup goals, having netted 13 compared to the Brazilian icon’s 12. However, Pelé still retains the all-time World Cup assists record with 10, while Messi is close behind with eight assists throughout his World Cup appearances.
Messi achieved his inaugural World Cup assist during the group stage of the 2006 tournament. He contributed another assist in South Africa 2010 and added one more in Brazil 2014. The Argentine then delivered two assists at Russia 2018 before notching three assists during Argentina’s victorious campaign at Qatar 2022.
Research has shown that Pelé amassed his 10 assists over four World Cups from 1958 to 1970. The Brazilian legend also holds the record for the highest number of assists in a single World Cup tournament, with six. Argentina’s group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup may present Messi with a significant opportunity to exceed Pelé’s record.
World Cup uncertainty surrounds Messi’s fitness concerns prior to the tournament. Messi recently raised alarms after departing the field during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, May 24. Following medical evaluations, Inter Miami issued an official statement confirming that the forward experienced a strain associated with muscle fatigue in the hamstring of his left leg. Fortunately for Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni and fans, this issue is not anticipated to jeopardize Messi’s participation in the World Cup.
