Messi equals international assist record in Argentina’s victory over Peru

Lionel Messi moved closer to yet another international milestone with a stunning assist during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Peru on Tuesday night.

Messi’s 55th-minute assist in Argentina’s 1-0 victory brought his tally to 58 international assists, equaling the men’s all-time record previously held by former United States star Landon Donovan.

In a moment of brilliance at La Bombonera, Messi threaded a precise pass through a tightly packed Peruvian defence to Lautaro Martínez, who delivered a spectacular volley to secure the win. The goal also marked Martínez’s 32nd for Argentina, matching the legendary Diego Maradona’s tally.

Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points after 12 matches, holding a five-point lead over second-placed Uruguay and a six-point advantage over third-placed Ecuador.

With Messi on the verge of surpassing the assist record, it seems only a matter of time before he claims the title outright.

Next up for Argentina are two challenging World Cup qualifiers in March, where they will face fierce rivals Uruguay and Brazil.