Lionel Messi did not score in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, but he left his mark, helping his country Argentina secure a ticket to the semifinals after a grueling marathon against Switzerland, while also earning more historic records in the World Cup.

Argentina, the defending champion, snatched the last ticket to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after a hard-fought and thrilling 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the match that took place early Sunday and extended into extra time, with Messi having assisted the first goal for the tango dancers.

Thanks to this assist, Lionel Messi achieved several historic records in the World Cup:

- Messi became the player with the most assists in World Cup history with 11, surpassing German Fritz Walter who had 10.

- Messi became the player with the most wins in World Cup history with 20 matches.

- Messi has provided assists in the World Cup for 10 different players.

- Messi strengthened his remarkable leadership record with Argentina in extra time; the tango dancers have never lost a match that went to extra time with Messi in the World Cup, except for the final.