“In a Copa América semi-final deadlock at 0–0, Messi threads the move that frees Rojo to smash in Argentina’s opener, setting the tone for a 6–1 rout and marking assist number 184 of his career.”
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.
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.
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.
With Barcelona already 1–0 up in a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern, Messi threads a perfectly timed pass that slices open their high line, springing Eto’o through to make it 2–0 and underline his rise with career assist number 43.