At 118 minutes of a World Cup knockout tie still locked at 0–0, Messi’s surge through the Swiss lines draws defenders and frees Di María, his perfectly timed pass finally cracking the deadlock for Argentina and standing as his 155th career assist.

Winning GoalLast Minute

@Switzerland0–1Jul 1

At 0–0 in the 115th minute of the UEFA Super Cup final, Messi’s vision finally pries open Shakhtar’s defence for Pedro, a fatigued moment of clarity that delivers Barcelona the trophy and registers his 47th career assist, first of the season.

Winning GoalLast Minute

@Shakhtar Donetsk0–1Aug 28

At 0–0 in a World Cup qualifier Argentina must win, Messi unlocks Bolivia’s resistance with the assist that breaks the deadlock and ultimately stands as the decisive goal, an early glimpse of him carrying a transitional Albiceleste while quietly logging career assist No.16 and his fifth of the season.

Winning Goal

vsBolivia3–0Nov 17

In a Club World Cup semi-final deadlocked at 0–0, Messi’s incisive pass breaks Al-Sadd’s resistance and produces the only goal of the night, a high-stakes winner that also goes down as career assist number 106 and his 19th of the season.

Winning GoalKnockout Stage

@Al-Sadd SC0–4Dec 15