Lionel Messi continues to rewrite football history. The Argentine captain set another milestone, becoming the player with the most assists in international football, surpassing Brazilian forward Neymar.
Argentina’s thrilling 6–0 victory over Puerto Rico saw Messi once again deliver a masterful performance. The match marked his 195th international appearance, during which he has now recorded 114 goals and 60 assists — a record unmatched in world football.
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Until this game, Neymar held the top spot with 59 assists for Brazil, achieved across 128 matches, along with 79 goals. Messi’s two assists during the Puerto Rico clash moved him ahead.
The first came in the 23rd minute when Messi set up Gonzalo Montiel for a goal. Later, in the 84th minute, he provided another assist to Lautaro Martínez, further sealing Argentina’s dominant win.
After the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said, “Yesterday I asked him if he was ready to play. He said yes. It’s always a pleasure for us.”
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Following Messi and Neymar on the all-time assist list are former U.S. forward Landon Donovan with 58 assists, Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás and Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne with 53 each, Hungary’s Sándor Kocsis with 50, and Pelé with 47.
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Though Messi didn’t score in this match, his overall career tally now stands at 886 goals across all competitions.
Argentina’s next friendly is scheduled against Australia at Kochi’s Kaloor Stadium on November 17.