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.

Last MinuteKnockout Stage

@Chelsea1–1May 6

With Barcelona trailing in an El Clásico final, Messi threads the pass that unlocks Madrid’s defence and drags his side level, a pressure-soaked equalizer that also stands as his first assist of the season and the 88th of his career.

Knockout Stage

@Real Madrid2–2Aug 14

Trailing Uruguay in a Copa América quarter-final, Messi takes control as Argentina’s creative hub and threads the move that unlocks the defence for Higuaín’s leveller, a pressure-soaked equalizer that also marks career assist number 87 and his 29th of the season.

Knockout Stage

vsUruguay1–1Jul 16

Trailing Paraguay in a tense World Cup qualifier, Messi threads the move that frees Agüero for Argentina’s crucial equalizer, a pressure-soaked intervention that also registers career assist number 28 and his first of the qualifying campaign.

vsParaguay1–1Sep 6