Lionel Messi has once again rewritten football history, becoming the player with the most assists in men’s international football after providing two crucial assists in Argentina’s commanding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Record-Breaking Performance
The 37-year-old Argentine captain reached his milestone 60th international assist during the friendly match on October 14, 2025, surpassing both Neymar and Landon Donovan, who were previously tied at 58 assists each. With this achievement, Messi has cemented his position as the all-time leader in international football assists.
Playing on his home ground at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, Messi delivered a vintage performance despite not finding the back of the net. His first assist came in the 23rd minute when he threaded a precise pass to Gonzalo Montiel in the box, enabling the defender to score with a well-placed volley. The second assist showcased Messi’s trademark vision and creativity, as he produced a clever back pass that set up Lautaro Martínez’s second goal of the night in the 83rd minute.
Argentina’s Dominant Display
Argentina’s comprehensive victory saw multiple players shine alongside their captain. Alexis Mac Allister scored a brace with goals in the 14th and 36th minutes, while Lautaro Martínez also netted twice in the 79th and 84th minutes. An own goal from Steven Echevarria in the 64th minute completed the scoring for the reigning World Cup champions.
The match was originally scheduled to be played in Chicago but was relocated to Florida due to low ticket sales and concerns about immigration crackdowns in the Chicago area. Despite the venue change, the game provided the perfect stage for Messi to make history in front of his Inter Miami supporters.
Statistical Supremacy
Messi’s record-breaking achievement adds to his incredible collection of career milestones. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now has 397 assists across 1,129 matches in all competitions for club and country, putting him just three assists away from the coveted 400-mark. His international statistics are equally impressive, with 114 goals and 60 assists in 195 appearances for Argentina.
The current top five assist leaders in men’s international football history now reads: Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 60 assists, Neymar (Brazil) – 59 assists, Landon Donovan (USA) – 58 assists, Ferenc Puskás (Hungary) – 53 assists, and Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) – 53 assists.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This friendly served as preparation for Argentina’s campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The match against Puerto Rico, ranked 155th in the world compared to Argentina’s third-place FIFA ranking, allowed the Albiceleste to maintain their competitive edge while giving Messi the opportunity to add another historic achievement to his legendary career.
The venue itself holds special significance for Messi, as Chase Stadium is the home ground of Inter Miami CF, where the Argentine superstar has been playing since 2023. The 21,550-capacity stadium provided the perfect backdrop for this historic moment, with Messi’s Inter Miami teammates and supporters witnessing another milestone in his extraordinary career.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and expectations remaining sky-high for the Argentine captain, Messi continues to demonstrate why he remains one of football’s most influential players, combining goal-scoring prowess with unparalleled creative vision that has made him a unique talent in world football.
