Messi breaks World Cup assist record as Argentina beats Switzerland 1-0

Alexis Mac Allister's 10th-minute header from a Lionel Messi corner kick gave Argentina a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinal in Kansas City. The goal, celebrated with the coaching staff as a rehearsed set piece, set Argentina on the path to the semifinals. Source: Clarín

The Goal

Mac Allister, a Liverpool midfielder, scored his second World Cup goal after previously scoring against Poland in 2022. The play originated from a corner kick that Messi delivered from the left side, with Mac Allister rising above the Swiss defense to head home. Source: Clarín

Messi's Records

• Messi's assist was his 11th in World Cup history, making him the all-time leader, surpassing Pelé (10) and Fritz Walter (10). Source: Infobae. Note: Some sources credit Messi with 10 assists, but FIFA's official count gives him 11. Source: Clarín
• Messi has 8 goals in the 2026 World Cup, tying the highest for an Argentine in a single edition alongside Guillermo Stábile (1930). He has scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches and six consecutive knockout stage games, both records. Source: El Caribe, La Voz
• With 32 World Cup appearances, Messi holds the record for most matches played, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (27). Source: Infobae