FIFA World Cup Assist Leaders: Messi and Maradona Top All-Time List

While goalscorers often dominate FIFA World Cup conversations, some of football's greatest moments were created by players delivering the final pass.

From Lionel Messi weaving through defenders in Qatar 2022 to Diego Maradona orchestrating Argentina's 1986 triumph, World Cup history has also been shaped by elite creators.

Messi and Maradona currently share the record for the most assists in FIFA World Cup history with eight each, ahead of legends including David Beckham, Pelé and Thomas Müller.

Players with most assists in FIFA World Cup history

Lionel Messi became FIFA World Cup greatest creator during Argentina's 2022 triumph

Messi entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup with five assists before producing one of the greatest playmaking campaigns in tournament history.

The Argentine captain delivered three assists in Qatar, including his unforgettable run and setup against Croatia in the semifinal.

After beating Joško Gvardiol multiple times near the touchline, Messi squared the ball for Julián Álvarez to score one of the defining goals of the tournament.

Messi also produced a sensational defence-splitting assist against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists as Argentina lifted the trophy.

Diego Maradona dominated the 1986 World Cup as both scorer and creator

Maradona is often remembered for the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century," but his creativity during the 1986 World Cup was equally extraordinary.

The Argentine legend produced three assists in a single game against South Korea despite being heavily targeted by defenders throughout the match.

He also assisted the winning goal in the final against West Germany, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in football history.

Maradona finished his World Cup career with eight assists in just 21 appearances.

David Beckham set-piece quality made him England's World Cup creator

Beckham's passing range and delivery made him one of England's most dangerous players during the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

His six assists came in several different forms - pinpoint crosses, through balls and perfectly weighted set-pieces.

One of his most memorable assists came against Argentina in 1998 when he played a precise pass for Michael Owen to score his iconic solo goal.

Beckham also starred during England's 2002 campaign with multiple assists from crosses and dead-ball situations.

Pele combined goals and creativity during Brazil's golden era

While Pelé is celebrated for scoring 12 World Cup goals and winning three titles, the Brazilian icon was equally devastating as a creator.

All six of his assists came during the 1970 FIFA World Cup, widely regarded as one of the greatest individual tournament performances ever.

Pelé scored four goals and provided six assists during Brazil's title-winning run in Mexico, including two assists in the final against Italy.

His weighted pass for Carlos Alberto in the final remains one of the most iconic assists in football history.

Germany dominate the World Cup assist charts

Germany have four players among the top assist providers in World Cup history - Pierre Littbarski, Thomas Hässler, Thomas Müller and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Littbarski played in three consecutive World Cup finals between 1982 and 1990 and produced seven assists across the tournaments.

Thomas Müller, meanwhile, combined goals and assists brilliantly during Germany's 2010 and 2014 campaigns, helping the country win the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Schweinsteiger's creativity often came through driving runs and midfield control, while Hässler emerged as Germany's main playmaker during the 1994 World Cup.

Francesco Totti's 2006 World Cup creativity helped Italy lift the trophy

Francesco Totti only played in two FIFA World Cups but still managed six assists.

Most of them came during Italy's victorious 2006 campaign, where Totti's passing and vision became central to the team's attacking structure.

His performances against Ghana and Ukraine stood out, especially a stunning cross against Ukraine in the quarterfinals.

Italy eventually defeated France in the final to secure their fourth FIFA World Cup title.