Messi becomes first player to assist in five FIFA World Cups

When he assisted Enzo Fernandez’s goal in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Mexico on Sunday, Lionel Messi became the first player to have played provider in five FIFA World Cup iterations.

Messi gave his team the lead with a goal in the game’s 64th minute before assisting in the 87th. He now holds the record for being the oldest player to both score and assist in a World Cup game.

In 2006, against Serbia, Messi made his World Cup debut and recorded his first assist. He also scored in the match, making him the youngest player ever to do both during a World Cup.

In 2010 and 2014, the Argentine contributed an assist each, then two in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He has now given Argentina a total of 53 assists. With 17 goal-related assists, Messi also owns the Copa America record for most assists.