“In a tense Copa América third-place clash at 0–0 against Chile, Messi threads a perfectly timed pass that releases Agüero behind the defence to break the deadlock, a captain’s vision turning early pressure into control and marking career assist number 272.”
In a tense Copa América third-place grudge match against Chile, Messi breaks a four-game scoring drought not with a goal but by dictating play early and slipping the pass that starts Argentina’s opener, setting the tone before his controversial first-half red card cuts a sharp cameo short.
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 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.
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.