Pelé's legendary World Cup assist record is on the line as Lionel Messi prepares for his sixth and final FIFA World Cup.
What's at stake for Pelé?
The Brazilian football icon currently holds the record for most World Cup assists with 10, achieved between 1958 and 1970.
Lionel Messi is closing in on Pelé's record, having already secured eight World Cup assists across his five tournament appearances.
How close is Messi to breaking the record?
Messi's first assist came in Germany 2006, followed by one in South Africa 2010 and another in Brazil 2014.
He then added two more in Russia 2018 before recording three assists during Argentina's historic triumph in Qatar 2022.
What are Messi's chances of breaking the record?
Argentina's group-stage opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, could provide ideal opportunities for Messi to close the gap or even surpass Pelé's historic mark.
With attacking talents such as Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández around him, Messi will once again have several opportunities to continue adding assists on football's biggest stage.
Pelé also holds the record for most assists in a single World Cup edition, delivering six assists during one tournament.
Messi will be looking to make history and further cement his football immortality by breaking Pelé's record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place from June 16, with Argentina's first match against Algeria.
The Argentine captain has been preparing for what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup, and a recent injury scare has been alleviated, with medical examinations confirming that the issue was only muscular overload associated with fatigue in his left hamstring.
This will be a major relief for Argentina and football fans around the world, as Messi looks to write another historic chapter in his illustrious career.
The stage is set for an exciting tournament, with Messi chasing Pelé's record and Argentina looking to defend their title.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent history, with several top teams and players vying for the coveted title.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Messi and his quest to break Pelé's record and cement his legacy as one of the greatest football players of all time.
With his incredible ability to influence matches on the biggest stage, Messi is poised to make history and leave a lasting impact on the world of football.
The world will be watching as Messi takes to the pitch, determined to break Pelé's record and secure his place in football history.