Lionel Messi equals international assist RECORD in final game of 2024 for club and country

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has matched Landon Donovan's record as the player with the most international assists.

Lionel Messi equals international assist RECORD in final game of 2024 for club and country

Lionel Messi equalled Landon Donovan as the player with the most (58) International assists (Via X/@Argentina & DataFutebol)

After a disappointing end to the League season with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi was back to his best as Argentina took on Peru. The reigning World Cup champions edged their opponents by a single goal, courtesy of Lautaro Martinez.

The goal was set up by none other than Messi, whose assist meant that he equaled Landon Donovan‘s record (58) as the all-time leader in International assists. The game went along the lines of a nervy encounter, where Argentina failed on multiple occasions to hit the target.

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Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and even Nicolas Tagliafico failed to find the net in the first half. However, a moment of brilliance from the Argentina No.10 and Martinez culminated in the winner for the hosts.

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Messi danced past his markers near the left side of the penalty area before sending in a lofted ball to Martinez. The Inter Milan captain attempted a spectacular volley, which took a kind defection off of his marker and made its way into the net.

The win means that Argentina cemented its position at the top of CONMEBOL qualification with 25 points from 12 games. Messi thereby ended 2024 as a Copa America and Supporters’ Shield winner.

Lionel Messi to play in India? Sports Minister makes surprising claim

Lionel Messi last played in India back in 2011 when Argentina took on Venezuela in an international friendly. Following the goalless draw in Kolkata 14 years ago, the superstar is set to make a return to the country.

Lionel Messi and JLN Stadium
Will Lionel Messi play in India after 14 years? (Via Kerala Blasters & X/@Argentina and )

In an exciting revelation for fans in the country, an Indian (Kerala) Sports Minister announced that the decision regarding that has already been made. He said that the game will take place in 2025 and an official announcement will be made by the Argentine Football Federation.

The world’s number one football team, Argentina, comprising Lionel Messi, is coming to Kerala.

Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman told the press (via The Hindu)

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kerala will most likely be the venue for the clash. With a capacity of 41,000, it is also home to Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters.