Messi equals rare feat in World Cup qualifiers: only Maradona and
According to Championat.
Context
Lionel Messi, with 18 shots and 15 chances created in the qualifiers, demonstrates a level of performance that could be crucial for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. His ability to influence the game, both in finishing and creating plays, places him as one of the main candidates to shine in the tournament, following in the footsteps of icons of the past.
Why this matters
The milestone achieved by Lionel Messi in the World Cup qualifiers is a testament to his importance in the Argentine National Team, especially as he approaches the 2026 World Cup. By joining legends such as Maradona and Brehme, Messi further solidifies his legacy in world football. This feat not only highlights his finishing ability, but also his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, crucial to Argentina's performance in the tournament.
Main conclusions
- Messi equals a rare feat in the World Cup qualifiers: only Maradona and.
- Lionel Messi became the third player to score 15+ shots and 15+ chances created in the knockout stages of a World Cup, joining Maradona (1986) and Brehme (1990), according to Opta data.
- Лионель Месси remains central to Argentina's plans.
Lionel Messi signed another important milestone in the knockout stages of a World Cup. According to data from the statistical portal OptaJoe, the captain of the Argentina national team became the third player, since there are consolidated records (1966), to have at least 15 shots and 15 created occasions in the same edition of the World Cup, counting only the games to be eliminated. Until now, only two names appeared on this list: Diego Armando Maradona, in 1986, and Andreas Brehme, in 1990.
In detail, Maradona recorded 22 shots and 16 created chances in Mexico'86, a tournament in which he led Albiceleste to the world title. Four years later, in Italia '90, German Andreas Brehme scored 17 shots and created 15 chances, crowning RFA's campaign with the title – he himself would score, from a penalty, the decisive goal in the final against Argentina. Now, in 2026, Messi joins this historic duo with equally impressive numbers in the qualifiers: 18 shots and 15 chances created in the three matches already played at this stage.
The brand highlights the weight of the number 10 in Argentina's offensive maneuver, translating influence in both finishing and creation. In statistical language, “occasions created” correspond to key passes that generate a shot from a teammate, a production indicator that, combined with the volume of shots, offers a faithful portrait of a player's impact when the margin for error is minimal.
With this record, Messi reaches the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup with six games played, eight goals and one assist scored in the tournament. Argentina will face England in the semi-finals on July 15th (10pm Moscow time), in a planetary classic with a place in the final at stake and which promises maximum demands for Lionel Scaloni's team.
It is important to remember that these records only take into account the phases to be eliminated – numerically and historically tighter –, and that Opta accounting for this type of metrics starts in 1966. Even so, the feat places Messi in a level reserved for legends who signed memorable editions of the World Cup. According to the aforementioned statistical report, throughout the competition the Argentine has also reinforced his credentials in historical rankings of major national team competitions, making decisive contributions game after game.
For Argentina, the presence of an in-form Messi means having the creative and finishing beacon lit at the key moment. For the history of the World Cup, it means seeing the Albiceleste captain inscribe his name alongside Maradona and Brehme on a list that measures total influence on decisions. England follows in the semi-finals – and a new chapter to write this summer of 2026.
What happens next
With Argentina advancing to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face England, expectations are high regarding Messi's impact. His impressive form in the qualifiers could be decisive for the team's success. Messi's performance will be fundamental in shaping the Seleção's season and their aspirations of winning the world title.
Frequently asked questions
What was the rare feat that Messi equaled in the World Cup qualifiers?
Messi became the third player to score at least 15 shots and create 15 chances in the same edition of the World Cup, joining Diego Maradona and Andreas Brehme.
How many goals has Messi scored so far in the 2026 World Cup?
Messi has scored eight goals in the 2026 World Cup so far.
When is Argentina's next game at the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina will face England in the semi-finals on July 15th at 10pm.
What is the impact of Messi's statistics in the qualifiers?
Messi's statistics highlight his influence on Argentina's offensive maneuver, with 18 r
draws and 15 chances created in the three matches already played.
How does Messi compare to Maradona and Brehme in the World Cup qualifiers?
Maradona recorded 22 shots and 16 chances created in 1986, while Brehme had 17 shots and 15 chances created in 1990, with Messi now joining them with 18 shots and 15 chances created.