“With Barcelona trailing Osasuna in a Copa del Rey knockout tie, Messi threads the key pass that unlocks the defence and allows Alexis Sánchez to level, a pressure-easing equalizer that also registers as assist number 107 of his career and 20th of that season.”
In a tight Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie, Messi comes off the bench for just 32 minutes to spark Barcelona’s attack, threading a crucial assist that helps tilt a nervy knockout first leg in their favor.
At 1–0 down in stoppage time of a Champions League semi-final, Messi’s perfectly weighted layoff at the edge of a packed Chelsea box unlocks the only shooting lane Iniesta needs, turning looming elimination into a last-gasp equalizer and his 45th career assist.
With Barcelona trailing in an El Clásico final, Messi threads the pass that unlocks Madrid’s defence and drags his side level, a pressure-soaked equalizer that also stands as his first assist of the season and the 88th of his career.
Trailing Uruguay in a Copa América quarter-final, Messi takes control as Argentina’s creative hub and threads the move that unlocks the defence for Higuaín’s leveller, a pressure-soaked equalizer that also marks career assist number 87 and his 29th of the season.
Trailing 0–1 in a Copa del Rey quarter-final, Messi threads the pass that finally pierces Athletic’s back line and springs Suárez through, an equalising assist that shifts the tie’s momentum and quietly becomes career setup number 195.