“With Barcelona protecting a slender 1–0 lead in the Supercopa de España final, Messi’s late through ball slices Sevilla open in transition, freeing Munir to seal the trophy and marking assist number 214 of his career and first of the new season.”
In the Supercopa de España final, Messi controls the game for 90 minutes and, despite his scoring streak cooling off, still delivers the key assist and creates the clearest chances to earn Man of the Match and put Barcelona on the brink of another trophy.
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.
At 3–0 in a Copa América semi-final, Messi threads a late pass that slices open the tiring U.S. back line, springing Higuaín to seal a 4–0 rout and cap one of his most dominant tournament displays, adding career assist No. 213 and his 27th of the season.
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.