“With Argentina already 1–0 up in a World Cup qualifier, Messi threads a perfectly timed pass that slices Ecuador’s back line and springs Higuaín clear to double the lead, a captain’s assist that underlines his creative command en route to Brazil 2014 and marks career assist No.121.”
In the midst of a blistering run of 10 goals in his previous five games, Messi adds a goal and a slick assist in World Cup qualifying to drive Argentina past an Ecuador side he had never beaten before, underlining his growing authority as the team’s attacking leader.
At 2–0 up in a World Cup semi-final against Croatia, Messi’s twisting run on the right pulls Gvardiol apart and carves out the byline angle for Álvarez to tap in, sealing the final spot and logging career assist 349.
In a 5–0 El Clásico demolition already at 2–0, Messi’s perfectly timed through ball slices Real Madrid open for Villa to make it three, capping a masterclass in control and vision on the way to his 65th career assist.
In an El Clásico Supercopa final deadlocked at 0–0, Messi threads the move that releases Iniesta behind Madrid’s line, breaking the tension and opening the scoring before later capping the night by reaching the 200-career-goal mark.
At 2–0 in a Champions League semi-final against Bayern, Messi threads a stoppage-time pass that releases Neymar to seal a 3–0 first-leg cushion, capping his masterclass with career assist number 183.