Qatar 2022: Messi breaks Pele’s World Cup record

After his team’s quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands on Friday, Argentina captain Lionel Messi shattered one of Brazilian icon Pele’s World Cup records.

Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties to get to the semifinals after regulation time finished in a 2-2 draw in Qatar. Messi was the standout performer for his team.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward helped Nahuel Molina score the first goal, passing Pele to become the player with the most assists in the World Cup knockout stages.

In the knockout rounds, the former Barcelona captain surpassed Pele’s record of four assists, which stood since 1966.

It was Messi’s fifth helper in the World Cup’s knockout stages on Friday night.

In addition, it was his seventh overall assist in the five World Cup matches he has so far played in for the Argentina national team.

Messi, 35, will now look to lead Argentina to victory when they play Croatia in the semifinal on Tuesday. Croatia overcame Brazil.