FLORIDA, USA – The World Cup champions show no signs of slowing down. Argentina cruised to a massive 6-0 friendly victory over Puerto Rico in Florida on Tuesday night, a performance that highlighted their depth and attacking efficiency. While the dominant scoreline spoke volumes, the true headline belonged once again to captain Lionel Messi, who cemented his status as the most creative force in international football by setting a new world record for assists.
Messi, back in the starting lineup and wearing the armband, showcased why, even at 38, he remains the Albiceleste’s indispensable source of inspiration. Despite not finding the back of the net himself, his influence was absolute, contributing to the rout with a perfect blend of direct and indirect playmaking.
The Historic Record and Goal Breakdown
The match was defined by Argentina’s overwhelming superiority and Messi’s pursuit of history.
His first significant contribution came early: In the 14th minute, Messi unleashed a powerful shot that cannoned off the crossbar, creating a prime rebound opportunity that Alexis Mac Allister capitalized on with a header to open the scoring.
Just nine minutes later, Messi delivered the first of his direct masterclasses. He threaded a hallmark through-pass that bypassed the defense, allowing Gonzalo Montiel to race onto the ball and strike a superb volley into the net. This pass tied the existing international assist record.
The historic moment arrived later in the game. Messi delivered a sublime final pass to set up striker Lautaro Martínez for one of his two goals on the night. This assist officially brought Messi’s international tally to an unprecedented 60 career assists, officially claiming the FIFA world record for the most assists at the national team level, surpassing previous record-holders like the USA’s Landon Donovan.
A New Era of Playmaking
This achievement emphasizes Messi’s evolution from the world's most feared goal-scorer to its most profound playmaker. His ability to dictate the tempo, control space, and unlock defenses with vision rather than sheer pace ensures his sustained relevance. The game was a testament to his continued quality, serving as a vital step in Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
The victory was comprehensive:
Scorers: Lautaro Martínez (2), Alexis Mac Allister (2), Gonzalo Montiel, and an own goal.
Total Career Assists: Messi now has 398 career assists (club and country), putting him just four shy of the monumental 400 mark.
The decisive 6-0 victory sends a clear message about Argentina's intent to defend their World Cup crown, all while being marshaled by their record-breaking captain and football's definitive architect.
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