Behind many of the most memorable goals in FIFA World Cup history is a pass that set the stage for glory.
During the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi used fancy footwork to dribble past Croatia's Josko Gvardiol in the 69th minute of their semifinal match before setting up Julián Álvarez for a tap-in goal. The drive drew a roar from the crowd and led to one of three assists for the Argentine captain en route to leading Argentina to the World Cup title, their first since 1986, when Diego Maradona was the leader of the Argentines.
Messi broke his tie with Maradona to claim the record for the most career assists at the World Cup, with nine in the comeback win vs. Egypt in the 2026 Round of 16. Messi racked up his total in 33 World Cup matches across five separate tournaments, while Maradona appeared in 21 World Cup matches over four tournaments.
Here is a look at the players with the most career assists at the FIFA World Cup (since 1966):
12
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
8
Diego Maradona (Argentina)
7
Michael Olise (France)
Pierre Littbarski (Germany)
Grzegorz Lato (Poland)
6
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Ivan Perisic (Croatia)
David Beckham (England)
Pelé (Brazil)
Thomas Häßler (Germany)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)
Thomas Müller (Germany)
Uwe Seeler (Germany)
Francesco Totti (Italy)
5
Zico (Brazil)
Gerd Müller (Germany)
Michael Ballack (Germany)
Juan Sebastián Verón (Argentina)
Robert Gadocha (Poland)
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