Lionel Messi has added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career after matching a World Cup record previously achieved only by Diego Maradona, further strengthening his place among football’s all-time greats.
According to tournament statistics, Messi finished the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a combined 59 total attacking involvements leading the competition in both total shots and chances created. The feat mirrors Maradona’s iconic performance at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where the Argentine legend also topped both categories with 59 total involvements.
The achievement makes Maradona and Messi the only two players in the last six decades of World Cup history to dominate a single tournament by leading both attacking metrics, highlighting their influence as complete playmakers capable of both creating and finishing scoring opportunities.
Maradona’s unforgettable 1986 campaign guided Argentina to World Cup glory and established him as one of the sport’s greatest icons. Four decades later, Messi has replicated that extraordinary level of individual influence, once again demonstrating the vision, creativity and attacking brilliance that have defined his career.
The statistical milestone has reignited comparisons between Argentina’s two greatest No. 10s, with fans describing the achievement as a symbolic link between the country’s most iconic football generations.
While separated by 40 years, Maradona’s exploits in 1986 and Messi’s outstanding 2026 campaign now stand side by side in the World Cup record books, an extraordinary reminder of Argentina’s enduring tradition of producing footballing legends.
Credit:BBC
