“At 5–1 up in a Copa América semi-final, Messi threads a late pass that slices open Paraguay’s tired back line and releases Higuaín to cap a 6–1 rout, sealing his hat-trick of assists and career assist No.186.”
In a Copa América semi-final where he extends a rare four-game goal drought, Messi turns pure creator, dissecting Paraguay with three assists and constant dribbles to drive Argentina into the final.
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.
At 1–1 in a World Cup knockout thriller against France, Messi’s quick-thinking touch and stabbed pass through a crowded box create the deflected opening for Mercado to restore Argentina’s lead, marking career assist number 251.