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.

Knockout Stage

@Croatia0–3Dec 13

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.

Knockout StageLast Minute

vsBayern Munich3–0May 6

With Argentina protecting a narrow lead deep in a Copa América quarter-final, Messi’s perfectly timed through ball slices Ecuador open to spring Lautaro Martínez clear and double the advantage, a pressure-soaked assist that pushes his side toward the semi-finals and marks career assist number 314.

Knockout Stage

@Ecuador0–3Jul 3

In a tense Copa América semi-final deadlocked at 0–0, Messi threads the early pass that slices Colombia open and springs Lautaro Martínez free, breaking the stalemate and pushing Argentina toward the final as he logs career assist number 315.

Knockout Stage

@Colombia1–1Jul 6