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.

Knockout Stage

@Croatia0–3Dec 13

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.

Knockout StageLast Minute

vsBayern Munich3–0May 6

At 0–0 in a World Cup quarter-final, Messi threads a no-look through ball between Dutch lines that turns a crowded flank into a clear lane for Molina, breaking the deadlock and pushing his late-career World Cup charge with assist number 348.

Knockout Stage

@Netherlands2–2Dec 9

With Argentina protecting a narrow lead deep in a Copa América quarter-final, Messi’s perfectly timed through ball slices Ecuador open to spring Lautaro Martínez clear and double the advantage, a pressure-soaked assist that pushes his side toward the semi-finals and marks career assist number 314.

Knockout Stage

@Ecuador0–3Jul 3