“In a tense Copa América quarter-final locked at 0–0, Messi threads a perfectly timed pass that slices Ecuador open and springs De Paul through to break the deadlock, a pressure-breaking contribution that also registers career assist number 313.”
In a high-pressure Copa América quarter-final on Brazilian soil, Messi dictates the tie with two slide-rule assists before sealing it with a trademark free-kick, driving Argentina closer to ending their 28-year trophy drought.
With the Copa del Rey semi-final locked at 0–0, Messi threads the decisive pass that finally pierces Valencia’s block and frees Suárez to make it 1–0, a deadlock-breaking moment that becomes career assist No. 243.
At 0–0 in a Champions League knockout tie, Messi’s perfectly timed through ball tears open Manchester City’s high line to spring Rakitić in behind for the deadlock-breaker, a precision pass that also becomes career assist No.177.
With the Supercopa final level at 1–1 in the 78th minute, Messi’s vision and pass unpick Sevilla’s defensive block to free Dembélé for the strike that restores Barcelona’s lead and delivers his first assist of the season.
In a Supercopa final deadlocked at 0–0, Messi threads the move that finally unravels Sevilla’s defence, timing his combination play to free Arda Turan for the opener and set Barça on their way, chalking up career assist number 215 in the process.