FIFA Confirms: Lionel Messi Sets Historic World Cup Record Unmatched by Ronaldo or Pelé
In a moment that has electrified the football world, FIFA has officially recognized Lionel Messi for achieving something that no player — not even Cristiano Ronaldo or Pelé — has done before. At 37, Messi has become the first and only footballer to register assists in five different FIFA World Cup tournaments, a feat that highlights his remarkable consistency and vision over nearly two decades.
This historic milestone wasn’t announced with fanfare or media hype but came quietly through an official FIFA technical report — a move that reflects Messi’s understated approach to greatness.
From his debut at the 2006 World Cup in Germany as an 18-year-old prodigy to leading Argentina to victory in Qatar 2022, Messi’s journey has been marked by evolution, resilience, and brilliance. Each tournament presented new challenges, but Messi consistently delivered, not just through goals, but with game-changing assists and leadership.
While Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in every World Cup he’s played in and Pelé’s trio of World Cup wins remain legendary, neither combined their performances across five tournaments in the way Messi has with both scoring and assisting.
Messi’s legacy is not built on changing clubs, marketing himself, or media theatrics. Instead, it’s grounded in quiet excellence — incisive passes, intelligent movement, and unwavering dedication. He has played over 1,000 professional matches, and across all of them, his influence has been profound.
This unique World Cup assist record elevates Messi’s standing in the game, shifting the debate from whether he’s among the greatest, to whether he is the greatest of all time.
Even now, playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, Messi continues to influence games with his trademark creativity and composure. FIFA’s confirmation of this record is a powerful testament to his lasting impact and unmatched career.
