Lionel Messi tops World Cup assists as Pelé’s single edition record under threat | OneFootball

Lionel Messi sits at the top of the World Cup’s all-time assist list, and Pelé’s single edition record could be challenged in 2026.

According to L'Équipe, he became the competition’s all-time leading scorer with a hat-trick against Algeria, 3-0, followed by a brace against Austria, 2-0, at World Cup 2026.

The Argentinian has eight assists, recorded between 2006 and 2022, and can add to that at this World Cup in Argentina’s next two fixtures, against Jordan in the group stage then in the round of 32.

He shares the lead with Maradona, also on eight between 1986 and 1994. Pierre Littbarski and Grzegorz Lato follow on seven for West Germany, 1982 to 1990, and Poland, 1974 to 1982.

A group of seven players are on six, including Pelé and Uwe Seeler, though those totals are incomplete because Opta records only from 1966.

Pelé holds the single edition best with six at the 1970 World Cup. At least five in one tournament have also been produced by Littbarski in 1982, Maradona in 1986, Thomas Hässler in 1994 and Robert Gadocha in 1974.

Gadocha owns the single match mark with four against Haiti in a 7-0 group win. In 2026, Alexander Isak and Michael Olise already have three after two games.

Olise will have at least two more opportunities, France’s group finale against Norway on Friday at 21:00, then the round of 32.

Source: L'Équipe