“With Inter Miami clinging to a 2–1 lead in the MLS Cup final, Messi threads the move that finally rips NYCFC open for Silvetti to make it 3–1, a cushion-securing assist that also marks career setup number 405.”
In the MLS Cup final at 38, Messi snaps his scoring streak but still dictates the game with a precise assist and near-flawless passing over 90 minutes, leading Inter Miami into a dominant title-clinching win over NYCFC.
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 an El Clásico Supercopa final deadlocked at 0–0, Messi threads the move that releases Iniesta behind Madrid’s line, breaking the tension and opening the scoring before later capping the night by reaching the 200-career-goal mark.
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.