Messi Neymar international assists record 2025: Magic Messi beats everyone, Ronaldo not even close

The Messi Neymar international assists record has been shattered, as Lionel Messi became the all-time leading provider of assists for a national team with his 60th goal creation in Argentina’s emphatic 6-0 friendly victory over Puerto Rico on October 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Messi’s two assists—one for Gonzalo Montiel’s volley in the 23rd minute and another for Lautaro Martínez’s second goal in the 87th minute—eclipsed Neymar’s 59 for Brazil, marking a historic moment in the Argentine’s career.

Messi Neymar International Assists Record: Lionel Messi Surpasses Brazilian Star in Argentina’s 6-0 Rout

The Messi Neymar international assists record milestone came in a one-sided affair, with Argentina controlling 68% possession and generating 3.2 expected goals (xG) to Puerto Rico’s 0.3. Lionel Scaloni, resting several starters but starting Messi and debutant Flaco López, saw Argentina surge ahead in the 23rd minute. Messi’s exquisite outside-of-the-foot pass split Puerto Rico’s defense, finding Montiel for a thunderous volley past goalkeeper Bryan Cárdenas. The goal, Montiel’s first in 2025, sparked celebrations among 25,000 fans, with Messi’s assist his 59th, tying Neymar’s mark.

Argentina’s midfield, led by Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, dictated play, completing 612 passes to Puerto Rico’s 289. The Messi Neymar international assists record highlight arrived in the 87th minute, as Messi unselfishly squared to Martínez for his second goal, a tap-in after a counter-attack. Martínez’s brace (51st, 87th minutes) completed a clinical display, with Álvarez scoring in the 12th minute and Enzo Fernández adding a 45th-minute penalty. The Messi Neymar international assists record match, Argentina’s 16th win in 19 since the 2022 World Cup, showcased their depth, with 14 shots to Puerto Rico’s 5.

Messi’s Milestone: Surpassing Neymar

The Messi Neymar international assists record marks Messi as the first player to reach 60 assists for a national team, surpassing Neymar’s 59 in 128 Brazil caps. Messi’s 60 assists in 195 appearances (0.31 per game) edge Neymar’s 0.46 rate, but Messi’s longevity—spanning 2005-2025—highlights his consistency. The Messi Neymar international assists record milestone, Messi’s 389th career assist (club and country), leaves him two shy of 400. His first assist, Montiel’s volley, evoked Barcelona memories, where Messi’s 192 assists rank second all-time.

Neymar, sidelined until November 2025 with a thigh injury, congratulated Messi on social media, posting, “You deserve it, brother!” The Messi Neymar international assists record rivalry, once defined by club battles at Barcelona and PSG, now shifts to international legacies. Messi’s 114 goals and 60 assists for Argentina dwarf Neymar’s 79 goals and 59 assists for Brazil, with fans debating, “Messi’s the ultimate creator!”

Match Context and Argentina’s Form

The Messi Neymar international assists record came in Argentina’s first of two friendlies during the October 2025 international break, following a 1-0 loss to Ecuador on September 10, 2025. Scaloni, prioritizing fitness for the 2026 World Cup, rested Messi in that qualifier but started him here, pairing him with López in attack. Argentina’s 68% possession and 3.2 xG reflected their control, with Martínez’s brace (7/10 rating) and Álvarez’s opener (8/10) showcasing depth. The Messi Neymar international assists record friendly, Argentina’s 16th win in 19 since Qatar 2022, prepares them for the Puerto Rico match on October 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium.

Argentina, ranked third globally, lead CONMEBOL with 22 points from 18 qualifiers. The Messi Neymar international assists record win, despite Messi’s 195th cap, signals their readiness for the Finalissima against Spain in March 2026. Scaloni praised Messi, saying, “Leo’s vision changes games. He’s our heart.”

Messi’s 2025 Form and Legacy

The Messi Neymar international assists record aligns with Messi’s stellar 2025. At Inter Miami, he has 29 goals and 14 assists in 30 MLS matches, including a hat-trick in the Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders on September 7, 2025. His MLS MVP candidacy and 880 career goals (114 international) trail Ronaldo’s 948 but lead in assists (389). The Messi Neymar international assists record milestone, his 389th career assist, positions him two shy of 400, a landmark he could reach in the Puerto Rico friendly.

Messi’s hinted international retirement after the 2026 World Cup, as stated post-Venezuela on September 4, 2025, adds poignancy to the Messi Neymar international assists record. His 2022 World Cup triumph, with seven goals and three assists, and 2024 Copa América victory cement his legacy as Argentina’s greatest, with 44 major trophies and eight Ballon d’Or awards.

Neymar’s Challenges and Rivalry

The Messi Neymar international assists record highlights Neymar’s contrasting trajectory. The 33-year-old, sidelined until November 2025 with a thigh injury, has six goals and three assists in 21 Santos matches, but his injury history—20+ missed games annually since 2018—threatens his Brazil recall. Neymar’s 79 international goals and 59 assists, once matching Messi’s creativity, now lag behind, with fans posting, “Messi’s untouchable—Neymar needs to catch up!” The Messi Neymar international assists record rivalry, once defined by Barcelona-PSG clashes, now centers on Messi’s longevity versus Neymar’s resilience.

Neymar’s Santos struggles, with the club 17th in the Brasileirão, and rumors of a Serie A free transfer in January 2026, add intrigue. The Messi Neymar international assists record milestone could inspire Neymar, who posted, “Leo’s the best—motivation for me!”

Argentina’s World Cup Preparations

The Messi Neymar international assists record win fits Argentina’s 2026 World Cup build-up. Ranked third globally, they lead CONMEBOL with 22 points from 18 qualifiers. Scaloni’s squad, blending Di María (10 goals) and Garnacho (3 assists), has won 16 of 19 since Qatar 2022. The Messi Neymar international assists record friendly, Messi’s 195th cap, nears 200, a milestone against Puerto Rico on October 15, 2025. The Finalissima against Spain in March 2026 looms, with Messi’s fitness key to reclaiming the No. 1 ranking.

Conclusion: Messi’s Milestone Moment

The Messi Neymar international assists record crowns Messi as the ultimate creator for a national team, with 60 assists in Argentina’s 6-0 rout of Puerto Rico. As he nears 200 caps and 2026 glory, his legacy grows. Can Messi lead Argentina to another World Cup? Share your thoughts on the Messi Neymar international assists record below!

Iconic. 🇦🇷🏆✨️ pic.twitter.com/B39DnD3wGG

— Stop That Messi (@stopthatmessiii) October 13, 2025

FAQs: Messi Neymar International Assists Record

1. How many assists does Messi have for Argentina?
   Messi has 60 assists, surpassing Neymar’s 59 for Brazil.

2. When did Messi break the record?
   In Argentina’s 6-0 win over Puerto Rico on October 15, 2025.

3. Who scored in the match?
   Lautaro Martínez scored twice (51st, 87th minutes), Julián Álvarez scored once (12th minute), Gonzalo Montiel scored once (23rd minute), and Enzo Fernández scored once (45th minute, penalty).

4. What’s Messi’s total career assists?
   Messi has 389 career assists (club and country), two shy of 400.

5. When is Argentina’s next friendly?
   They face Puerto Rico on October 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium.

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