Messi extends World Cup 2026 creativity lead after Argentina edge England to final

Lionel Messi has tightened his grip as the most creative player at the 2026 World Cup, opening up a commanding lead at the top of the chance-creation charts after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England, according to statistics specialists Squawka.

The Argentina captain has now fashioned 25 chances for team-mates at the tournament, putting him well clear of his closest challengers and underlining his enduring influence at the age of 39.

Messi’s tally leaves him eight chances ahead of Belgium’s Leandro Trossard and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who are tied for second place on 17 created opportunities each.

Messi out in front

The latest figures, compiled after Argentina’s comeback win against England on Wednesday, show Messi as the undisputed leader in playmaking at this World Cup.

His total of 25 chances created not only tops the rankings but also highlights the extent to which Argentina’s attacking play continues to flow through him, even in the latter stages of his career.

Trossard and Hakimi share second place with 17 chances each, reflecting the Belgian forward’s central role in his side’s offensive play and the Moroccan full-back’s constant raids down the flank.

Salah spearheads chasing pack

In fourth place sits Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, who has created 16 chances for his team-mates. He is level with France duo Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe, both also on 16.

The presence of Mbappe and Dembele in the upper reaches of the list underlines France’s attacking depth, while Salah’s numbers confirm his status as Egypt’s main creative and goalscoring outlet.

Behind them, England’s Declan Rice occupies seventh position with 15 chances created. The midfielder has been central not only to England’s defensive structure but also to launching attacks from deep.

French trio and Mexican playmaker complete top 10

Further down the top 10, France’s Michael Olise is eighth with 14 chances, followed by his compatriot Desire Doue on 13.

Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado also features prominently, matching Doue’s total of 13 chances to round off the top 10.

The full list of leading chance creators at World Cup 2026, according to Squawka, is:

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) 25 chances
2. Leandro Trossard (Belgium) 17 chances
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) 17 chances
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) 16 chances
5. Ousmane Dembele (France) 16 chances
6. Kylian Mbappe (France) 16 chances
7. Declan Rice (England) 15 chances
8. Michael Olise (France) 14 chances
9. Desire Doue (France) 13 chances
10. Roberto Alvarado (Mexico) 13 chances

Creativity at the heart of World Cup rankings

The numbers feed into wider analytical metrics around the tournament, including FIFA-style power rankings that assess teams and players across attacking, playmaking and defensive categories.

While goals often dominate headlines, the statistics highlight the importance of those who engineer opportunities – the pass before the shot, the cross that unlocks a defence, or the through-ball that changes a match.

In that regard, Messi’s commanding lead in chances created reinforces his reputation not just as a finisher, but as the tournament’s outstanding architect in the final third.