“At 1–1 in a World Cup qualifier, Messi threads the pass that releases Agüero to restore Argentina’s lead over Paraguay, a captain’s vision turning a tense stalemate into control and adding career assist No.141 in his peak years.”
Messi delivers two penalties and a precise assist to drive Argentina’s high-scoring World Cup qualifier win over Paraguay, extending his hot scoring streak while underlining his central role in their march toward Brazil 2014.
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.