Lionel Messi’s assist to Lautaro Martinez on Tuesday night helped Argentina tally another win before the end of the year and brought the star striker one step closer to breaking yet another international record.
Messi’s assist in the 55th minute during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Peru marked the captain’s 58th assist on the international stage, tying the international men’s record held by USMNT great Landon Donavon.
The moment came when Messi found Martinez through a crowded Peruvian backline at La Bombonera. Martinez tactfully struck the ball into the back of the net, with a brilliant volley that had local fans bursting into celebration. The goal was also Martinez’s 32nd, equaling the number of goals scored by Diego Maradona.
Asistencia de Leo Messi (@InterMiamiCF) para darle la ventaja a Argentina y de paso empatar a Landon Donovan como máximo asistidor a nivel de selecciones. 🐐🇦🇷
— MLS Español (@MLSes) November 20, 2024
Argentina sits at the top of the CONMEBOL standings in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 25 points in 12 games, five points ahead of Uruguay who is in second and six points ahead of Ecuador in third.
It seems only a matter of time before Messi tops his and Donovan’s shared record. The next fixture on Argentina’s schedule is another pair of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in March when the team faces two tough opponents in Uruguay and Brazil.
(Photo: Carlos Sipán / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images)
