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By John Ogunsemore
Lionel Messi has become the all-time leader in men’s international assists with 60 after providing two in Argentina’s commanding 6-0 friendly victory over Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami star, captaining the reigning World Cup champions, surpassed Brazil’s Neymar and the United States’ Landon Donovan, both with 58 assists, in a match that affirmed Argentina’s depth and Messi’s playmaking brilliance.
Messi’s contributions came in the first half: a pinpoint chip for Gonzalo Montiel’s volley in the 23rd minute and a clever back-heel assist for Lautaro Martinez’s second goal in the 84th minute.
Braces from Alexis Mac Allister and Martinez, along with an own goal by Puerto Rico’s Steven Echevarria, rounded out the scoreline in the one-sided affair.
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Argentina dominated possession with 72 per cent and fired 25 shots, 11 on target, generating an expected goals (xG) value of 2.87.
Messi’s performance was a masterclass in creativity, as he completed 75 passes – the second-highest in the match – created five big chances, and delivered three crosses while registering a game-high eight shots.
Now just two assists shy of 400 across his club and international career, Messi continues to redefine longevity at the highest level alongside career rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
He remains Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 114 goals, trailing only Ronaldo’s 143 in the global rankings.
The friendly served as preparation for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
