Argentina's Lionel Messi becomes all-time international assists leader, surpassing Brazil's Neymar and USMNT's Landon Donovan

Argentina’s opponent - Puerto Rico - posed little threat in Miami, and Messi found yet another way to make history. The Albiceleste captain didn’t score in the 6-0 victory at Chase Stadium but set up goals for Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez, both of whom finished with braces. Gonzalo Montiel and an own goal from Steven Echevarria completed the rout.

While Messi is arguably the greatest scorer in the sport's history, he's also a fantastic playmaker as evidenced by his career tally. His first assist for the national team came over 19 years ago during his World Cup debut in 2006. Argentina beat Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 in that encounter. 

Mac Allister isn't known for his scoring, as Tuesday night's brace was his fifth and sixth goals scored for the national team after 41 caps. He revealed his teammates were ribbing him for potentially notching his first career hat trick against Puerto Rico.

 “The guys were joking at halftime, asking if I was going to score three goals. I’ve never done that, but I’m not desperate either,” said Mac Allister after the match. “I like to score, but what matters is helping the team win and keep building confidence.”

Martínez, meanwhile, expressed his happiness after scoring again during the final stretch of preparation for the 2026 World Cup. 

“I’m happy to score; it’s always special with this shirt,” said the Inter striker. “A lot of young players made their debuts, we played well, and physically I feel great. I’m very happy with this moment.”

Messi will now rejoin Inter Miami as they prepare to visit Nashville SC this Saturday in MLS action.