Lionel Messi is now the joint-leading player for assists in international football history.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed his 58th assist for Argentina in splendid fashion against Peru in a 1-0 win to keep his nation top of the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
He draws level with MLS icon Landon Donovan, who represented the USA for 14 years and bagged 58 assists in 157 appearances, while also turning out for Everton in the Premier League for a brief spell.
Messi, on his 191st appearance for his country, slalomed between two Peruvians and sent a floating chip into the penalty spot where Lautaro Martinez blasted an overhead kick into the top right corner.
The 37-year-old equalled the record ten years after Donovan’s retirement while Martinez scored his 32nd goal for the national team, which levels Diego Maradona’s tally.
Lionel Scaloni’s team are now five points ahead of Uruguay who most recently drew 1-1 with Brazil.
Following the international break, Messi will be off until the new year as his team, Inter Miami, were knocked out of the MLS playoffs with a shocking defeat to Atlanta United.
Many football fans claimed that Messi had lost his passion for club football but evidently they were wrong as he stormed off the pitch alongside his team.
It was a reaction that led to criticism from MLS legend Donovan, who questioned Messi’s sportsmanship.
On a recent podcast episode of Unfiltered Soccer with Tim Howard, Donovan said: “Just shake their hands and say congratulations.
“Messi walked right off the field and maybe in the locker room they came out and said congrats or whatever and by the way, your fans are out there too, at least congratulate them on a great season and thank them for all the support they’ve had.”
The Argentine later posted on Instagram and captioned his post: “A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more.
“Thanks to all the people who joined and supported us. Now let’s get ready to come back stronger next year.”
With the likes of Messi, Segio Busquets and Luis Suarez, the Florida-based team were the favourites to win the cup but now they look forward to next season with a target of lifting the trophy in 2025.
However, with their manager, Gerardo Martinez, reportedly leaving his post, Inter Miami will have to find the right replacement to achieve their ambitious aspirations.
Rumours have touted a Xavi Hernandez, former teammate of Messi, to replace the former Barcelona manager.
Despite his rough departure from the Catalan club, he did win the league and Spanish Super Cup in 2023. Prior to that he coached the Qatari side Al-Sadd to league champions in 2021.
