Lionel Messi has etched his name further into footballing history, surpassing Ferenc Puskas to become the player with the most career assists. The Argentine maestro achieved his 405th assist in Inter Miami's resounding 5-1 victory over New York City FC in the MLS Cup semifinal. This win propelled Inter Miami to the MLS Cup final, their first-ever appearance in the league's championship game.
The record-breaking assist came in the 67th minute, when Messi, surrounded by defenders, delivered a precise pass to teammate Mateo Silvetti, who slotted the ball home. Silvetti's goal extended Inter Miami's lead and contributed to a dominant performance that secured their place in the final. Tadeo Allende scored a hat trick in the match, with Jordi Alba assisting on two of the goals. Telasco Segovia added another goal, also assisted by Alba.
Messi's achievement breaks the record of 404 assists previously held by Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas, a mark that has stood for decades. The Argentine reached this milestone in 1,135 appearances across his illustrious career with Inter Miami, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and the Argentina national team.
The 38-year-old's incredible playmaking ability has been a hallmark of his career, complementing his prolific goal-scoring record. He has now recorded 896 goals and 405 assists, totaling 1301 goal contributions. This places him far ahead of his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 1,213 goal contributions (954 goals and 259 assists) in 1,298 matches.
Messi's impact on Inter Miami has been transformative since joining the club. He led the team to the Leagues Cup title in 2023 and has now guided them to their first MLS Cup final. In the current MLS season, Messi has 46 goals and has been involved in 23 goals in the last 10 matches.
The MLS Cup final will be held on December 6, where Inter Miami will face Vancouver. This presents Messi with the opportunity to add another trophy to his already impressive collection of 47 career titles, the most of any player in football history.
This latest record is another testament to Messi's enduring brilliance and his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His vision, passing ability, and goal-scoring prowess continue to amaze fans and cement his legacy in the sport.
