Lionel Messi Breaks Record for Most Assists in International Football

Lionel Messi has achieved another remarkable milestone, becoming the player with the most assists in men’s international football history. The Argentina captain set the record during a dominant 6-0 win over Puerto Rico on Tuesday, providing two assists to reach a total of 60 international assists, surpassing Neymar and Landon Donovan, who each had 58.

The match, held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, marked the final stop of Argentina’s US tour and was particularly special as it took place at Messi’s home ground with Inter Miami. Although he did not score, Messi contributed significantly by setting up goals for Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez. Additional goals came from Gonzalo Montiel and an own goal by Steven Echevarria.

This record further highlights Messi’s extraordinary playmaking abilities, complementing his legendary goal-scoring career. Since his first international assist during the 2006 FIFA World Cup—when Argentina defeated Serbia and Montenegro 6-0—Messi’s creativity, vision, and precision have consistently redefined the art of playmaking in world football.

Against Puerto Rico, Messi once again demonstrated his tactical brilliance, delivering a sharp through ball to Montiel for the opener and a clever back pass that led to Lautaro Martínez’s second goal.

With this milestone, Messi not only cements his legacy as one of football’s greatest scorers but also as one of its finest creators. Across all competitions, he now boasts 397 assists in 1,129 matches—a testament to his consistency and longevity.

As Argentina prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expectations surrounding Messi continue to soar. Having already lifted the World Cup in 2022, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the central figure in Argentina’s pursuit of another global triumph.

Following the international break, Messi will return to Inter Miami, where he is set to face Nashville SC in the upcoming Major League Soccer fixture.

Argentina, currently ranked third by FIFA, displayed complete dominance over Puerto Rico, ranked 155th. Despite an early threat from Leandro Antonetti, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez ensured a clean sheet with a crucial save.