Lionel Messi Sets World Cup Assists Record For Most Goals Set Up In Knockout Phase

Lionel Messi has set a new World Cup assists record. Messi is the first player to assist five goals in the knockout stages since Opta began recording such data.

Lionel Messi is the first player to assist five goals in the World Cup knockout stages since soccer statisticians Opta began recording such data in 1966.

Messi provided a superb pass for scorer Nahuel Molina as Argentina took a first-half lead against Holland in Friday's second quarter-final in Qatar.

Argentina eventually prevailed via a penalty shootout after drawing 2-2 with Holland in 120 minutes.

5 - Lionel Messi has assisted five goals in the World Cup knockout stages - since Opta have World Cup assists (from 1966), this is the most on record in the knockout rounds of the finals, surpassing Pelé's four. Goat. pic.twitter.com/ScHbh5oj1b

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 9, 2022

Messi makes his own passing lanes 😅🐐

Still not over this pass to set up Argentina's opening goal 🎯 pic.twitter.com/7m190cbl8S

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 9, 2022

This no-look pass from Messi to set up the goal 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/92iSBzDYs0

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 9, 2022

Messi had also set up goals in the knockout phase at the last three World Cups.

The Argentina captain claimed two assists in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup by setting up goals for Gabriel Mercado and Sergio Aguero in a 4-3 loss to France.

In 2014, Messi helped Argentina reach the final. He assisted Angel Di Maria in a 1-0 win over Switzerland along the way.

Messi provided an assist in the round of 16 at the 2010 tournament when he set up Carlos Tevez in a 3-1 victory against Mexico.

Lionel Messi pictured (right) celebrating with Nahuel Molina after an Argentina goal against Holland at the 2022 World Cup :: IMAGO/Matthias Koch