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

With Argentina trailing early against the United States, Messi threads the pass that unlocks the defence and sets up Hernán Crespo’s equaliser, calming group-stage nerves and adding an 11th career assist to his growing international influence.

@United States1–4Jun 29