Another pair of remarkable statistics – highlighting the brilliance of Argentine icon Lionel Messi on world football’s biggest stage – have surfaced late on Saturday evening.
The name of veteran attacker Messi, of course, has taken its place centre stage in the headlines once more tonight.
This comes owing to the latest vintage performance put forth by the 35-year-old.
Argentina marked their return to action a short time ago, facing off with Australia with a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup up for grabs.
And, when all was said and done, despite a late scare, the Albiceleste did enough to emerge triumphant, keeping alive the nation’s dream of emulating Diego Maradona and the national heroes of years gone by.
The aforementioned Messi, meanwhile, for his part proved the undisputed star of the show, dazzling en route to a goal, and what would have been a number of assists if not for the alarming profligacy of Lautaro Martinez.
As per statisticians Squawka, Messi tonight levelled Diego Maradona as the player with the most chances ever created at the World Cup finals, with 67.
Most chances created at the World Cup since Opta records began in 1966:
◉ 67 – Diego Maradona
◉ 67 – Lionel MessiIt was written in the stars. ✨#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OyE8ry4TcM
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 3, 2022
Not only that, but, after seeing his efforts recognised with the Man of the Match award at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also become the player with the most such accolades in the history of world football’s biggest international tournament:
Lionel Messi has now won more official FIFA Man of the Match awards (8) than any other player in the competition’s history.
The records keep tumbling.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/IsvJGeamBR
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 3, 2022
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