Diego Maradona's long‑standing World Cup assist record was eclipsed on 12 Jun 2026 when Lionel Messi delivered his 13th tournament assist, surpassing the Argentine legend’s tally of 12. The milestone came in Argentina’s 3‑1 victory over Poland in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cementing Messi’s place at the summit of World Cup playmaking.
What happened?
Messi’s decisive pass came in the 68th minute, threading a through‑ball to Lautaro Martínez, who slotted home the final goal. The assist pushed Messi’s World Cup total to 13, overtaking Diego Maradona, whose record of 12 assists had stood since the 1990 tournament. The match, played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, ended 3‑1 and secured Argentina’s top‑spot in Group C.
Why does it matter for Diego Maradona?
Maradona’s legacy has always been measured against the yardsticks of goals, dribbles and leadership. By becoming the assist benchmark, Messi adds a new dimension to that comparison, highlighting the evolution of the Argentine playmaker role. Maradona’s 12 assists were amassed across three World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990), a feat that set a standard for creative midfielders. Messi’s achievement, reached in just two tournaments (2022, 2026), underscores his consistency and adaptability in modern football.
How does the record change the narrative?
The record shifts the conversation from pure goal‑scoring to overall contribution. Analysts now point to Messi’s vision and timing as equally vital as his finishing. Former teammate Ángel Di María noted, “Messi always finds the space you don’t see. Breaking Maradona’s assist record shows his impact goes beyond scoring.” The statistic also fuels debates about the greatest Argentine ever, with fans weighing Maradona’s iconic moments against Messi’s sustained excellence.
What comes next for the record?
With the tournament still in its early stages, Messi could extend his lead. Argentina faces Brazil in the next round, a match that could produce another assist and widen the gap. Meanwhile, emerging talents like Pedri and Jude Bellingham are watching closely, aware that any future star will have to chase Messi’s new benchmark if they hope to match Maradona’s historic influence.
How will this affect Argentina’s future?
The record adds confidence to a squad that already boasts a blend of experience and youth. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised the achievement, saying, “Messi’s creativity lifts the whole team. Surpassing Maradona’s assist record is a testament to our collective ambition.” The milestone may also inspire the next generation of Argentine playmakers, who now have a concrete target to aim for in World Cup history.
What does this mean for football history?
Messi’s 13th assist not only rewrites the record books but also redefines how we evaluate greatness. While Maradona’s flair and leadership remain iconic, Messi’s statistical edge offers a fresh lens for historians. The achievement will be cited in future retrospectives, ensuring that both legends occupy a shared pedestal in the annals of the sport.