#6Career AssistLegendary
“At 3–0 up in his first World Cup, Messi threads a ruthless fourth for Argentina against Serbia, his vision and timing ripping open a tired defence to cap a 16-minute masterclass and register just the sixth assist of his young career.”
Year2006
World Cup#1
2005/06'#6
2006#42
2006 World Cup · Group2006-06-16 · 15:00:00
0-6
Serbia
Argentina
1G1A
In his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old, Messi stepped off the bench against Serbia and Montenegro to score and assist in a 6–0 demolition, instantly lighting up the tournament. This match is remembered as the moment the wider world first saw him dominate a World Cup stage, hinting at the era-defining international career to come.
Minute78'
Score
0-3→0-4
xG
—
Impact
—
Scorer: Hernán Crespo
Similar Assists
Assist#349
2022
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
@
Croatia0–3
Dec 13Assist#65
2010
In a 5–0 El Clásico demolition already at 2–0, Messi’s perfectly timed through ball slices Real Madrid open for Villa to make it three, capping a masterclass in control and vision on the way to his 65th career assist.
vs
Real Madrid5–0
Nov 29Assist#183
2015
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
vs
Bayern Munich3–0
May 6Assist#314
2021
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
@
Ecuador0–3
Jul 3Assist Sequence
No data
ReceiptCarryDribbleShotUnder PressureWith ballPass
ReceiptCarryDribbleShotPass
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