Lionel Messi has written another golden chapter in football history, becoming the first player ever to record 400 career assists across club and international football. The Argentine superstar achieved the milestone on Saturday night during Inter Miami’s dominant 4–0 victory over Nashville SC in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi was in sensational form, scoring twice before setting up teammate Tadeo Allende for Miami’s fourth goal — the assist that officially marked his 400th in professional competition. The club confirmed the achievement shortly after the match, with global sports statisticians including Opta and multiple outlets recognizing the record.
The 38-year-old maestro opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a trademark left-foot finish before doubling his tally midway through the first half. His pinpoint through ball to Allende later in the match not only sealed the victory but also etched his name deeper into football folklore. With that pass, Messi extended his tally to 400 assists and 894 career goals, according to figures reported by Opta and major media outlets.
Messi’s journey to the 400-assist milestone is as remarkable as it is historic. He provided 269 assists for Barcelona, where he spent more than 17 years redefining playmaking and goal scoring. During his brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain, he added 34 assists, followed by another handful with Inter Miami, and more than 60 assists for Argentina, including crucial ones during their 2022 World Cup triumph.
Fans at Chase Stadium erupted when the stadium announcer confirmed the record. Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, praised Messi’s influence on and off the pitch, saying, “What he’s doing at this age is extraordinary. He continues to lead with class, intelligence, and passion.”
The milestone cements Messi’s reputation not only as one of football’s most prolific scorers but also as one of its greatest creators. While he has long been compared to his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the goal-scoring department, Messi’s unrivaled assist record underscores his dual mastery, the rare combination of a finisher and playmaker.
The victory sends Inter Miami into the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they continue their pursuit of the MLS Cup. For Messi, though, Saturday’s match was more than just progression in the tournament — it was a moment of personal and historical significance, a testament to two decades of brilliance, vision, and unrelenting excellence.
As the football world celebrates yet another Messi milestone, one thing is clear: the Argentine legend’s influence shows no sign of waning. Even in the twilight of his career, Lionel Messi continues to redefine what greatness looks like.
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