In the match of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup - South America region on the morning of November 20, Messi dribbled past 3 Peruvian players, before making a superb pass for striker Martinez to hook the ball and score the only goal of the match.
This not only helped Argentina consolidate their top position, but Messi also set a new career record. With his 58th assist, the superstar equaled Landon Donovan's record for the most assists in the history of the national team (USA).
Messi is likely to break this record in the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil in 2025.
After 192 matches for La Albiceleste, the owner of 8 Golden Balls has scored 112 goals, meaning he has contributed to 170 goals for the team. At the same time, the 37-year-old superstar has also reaped glory with 2 Copa Americas and 1 World Cup.
This is also Messi's last match in 2024, having finished the season with Inter Miami before. This year, the Argentine superstar scored 29 goals, had 18 assists in 36 matches, achieving an efficiency of 1.3 goals/match. He also won 2 titles, including Supporters' Shield with Inter Miami and Copa America with Argentina.
Lionel Messi will have about 2 months of rest before starting the new season with Inter Miami. Besides the MLS, he will also participate in the new FIFA Club World Cup format for the first time in June 2025.
