MIAMI, USA – Lionel Messi has added yet another historic achievement to his legendary career, becoming the all-time leader in assists for a men’s national team. At 38 years old, the Argentine maestro continues to redefine his role on the field, proving that his genius lies not just in goalscoring, but in his unparalleled vision and ability to create for others.
The monumental milestone was secured during Argentina’s emphatic 6-0 friendly victory over Puerto Rico at Lockhart Stadium in Florida. Messi, the Argentine captain, provided two crucial assists in the match, raising his total tally for the Albiceleste to an unprecedented 60 assists—a figure unmatched in the history of men’s international football.
The Art of the Assist: Playmaking Genius on Display
Messi’s playmaking brilliance was evident throughout the match. While he did not get on the scoresheet himself (he hit the post once), his passing dismantled the opposition defense with surgical precision.
Assist 59: In the 23rd minute, Messi delivered a precise, lofted chip over the defense, finding defender Gonzalo Montiel in space. Montiel volleyed the ball home for the team's second goal. This visionary pass tied the previous world record, showcasing Messi's technical ability to unlock defenses from a distance.
Assist 60 (The Record): The record-breaking moment arrived in the 84th minute. Messi showcased his close-quarters skill in a crowded penalty area, setting up striker Lautaro Martínez inside the box with a clever backheel pass. Martínez slotted the ball into the far corner, sealing the 6-0 win and establishing Messi’s new record. This assist highlighted his instinct and willingness to use his teammates in tight situations.
Continuing the World Cup Trajectory
The friendly against Puerto Rico was a vital preparatory step for Argentina, who have already secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada). The match saw Argentina completely dominate, controlling 69% of the possession and firing 25 shots.
Messi played the full 90 minutes and, despite his focus on creating goals, his performance was rated exceptionally highly (9.1 by Sofascore). His impressive statistics included 111 touches and six key passes that generated clear scoring opportunities. Under manager Lionel Scaloni, Messi has successfully transitioned from a primary goalscorer to a deep-lying playmaker, a role that maximizes his vision and passing range, ensuring his longevity and continued impact on the squad.
An Unstoppable Dual Threat
At an age when most players begin to slow down, the 38-year-old superstar maintains an incredible level of performance for both club (Inter Miami) and country. While setting the international assist record, Messi simultaneously advanced his overall career contributions to a staggering 1,384 goal involvements (comprising 886 goals and 398 assists).
The ability to maintain elite output in both scoring and creation makes his career totals almost untouchable. The continued form and playmaking ability of their captain prove that even as he enters the twilight of his career, Messi remains the most vital creative force in international football, leading the Albiceleste toward another major tournament with unparalleled momentum.
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