In the middle of a hot scoring streak, Messi curls in a low-xG free-kick and adds a precise assist to drive Barcelona’s comeback at Anoeta, turning a tricky league trip to Real Sociedad into another decisive 90-minute display.
At 1–0 down in stoppage time of a Champions League semi-final, Messi’s perfectly weighted layoff at the edge of a packed Chelsea box unlocks the only shooting lane Iniesta needs, turning looming elimination into a last-gasp equalizer and his 45th career assist.
At 0–1 down against Sevilla, Messi threads the pass that unlocks the defence and drags Barça level, a momentum-shifting equaliser that also stands as his 150th career assist.
With Barcelona trailing at home to Milan in their Champions League opener, Messi threads the equaliser-making pass that slices open a packed defence, restoring control before halftime and adding assist number 94 of his career.
With PSG trailing 0–1 at home, Messi threads the equalizing pass that releases Mbappé at just the right moment, swinging the match back toward Paris and adding career assist number 324 to his tally.