In a second that additional cements Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of many best gamers within the historical past of soccer, the 37-year-old Argentine celebrity tied a powerful all-time file throughout a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Peru within the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Whereas Messi’s brilliance on the sector is now not a shock, the file he matched belongs to a reputation etched in US soccer folklore, including an intriguing twist to the story.
The match between Argentina and Peru, held as a part of the continued CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, was something however straightforward for the reigning world champions. With La Albiceleste struggling to interrupt down the guests’ resolute protection, it took a second of magic from their captain to safe the win.
Ten minutes into the second half, Messi showcased his trademark imaginative and prescient and ability. Dribbling previous three defenders with ease, he delivered a curling cross into the penalty space. Lautaro Martinez met the ball with a shocking half-volley, sending it into the top-right nook of the online. This decisive purpose not solely secured Argentina’s place on the high of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 factors from 12 matches but additionally marked a big private milestone for the MLS icon.
The help was Messi’s 58th in worldwide soccer, a determine that now ties him with a USMNT legend for essentially the most assists in males’s worldwide soccer historical past.
USMNT legend in file books
The file Messi matched belongs to none aside from Landon Donovan, an icon of American soccer. Donovan achieved his 58 assists throughout a 14-year profession with the U.S. Males’s Nationwide Crew (USMNT), throughout which he grew to become synonymous with success in North American soccer.
Donovan’s legacy consists of appearances in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, and 2010) and 4 CONCACAF Gold Cup titles. He additionally performed a pivotal function in the US’ runner-up end within the 2009 Confederations Cup. Identified for his versatility and consistency, Donovan’s contributions formed the trajectory of soccer in the US.
“Donovan’s capability to create alternatives and alter video games is unmatched in American soccer historical past,” famous analysts when reflecting on his affect. For the Argentine celebrity to tie this file highlights his enduring brilliance on the worldwide stage and underscores his capability to affect video games past scoring objectives.
When can Messi break Donovan’s file?
This milestone is one other chapter in Messi’s unparalleled journey with Argentina. Since making his worldwide debut in 2005, Messi has constructed a record-breaking profession. He’s Argentina’s all-time high scorer, help supplier and look chief. Amongst his accolades have gotten the main scorer in South American qualifiers (34 objectives) and setting the file for essentially the most matches performed in FIFA World Cup historical past (26).
Messi’s 58 assists span almost 20 years, that includes essential contributions in World Cup qualifiers, Copa America tournaments, and the World Cup. Iconic moments embody his cross to Nahuel Molina within the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals in opposition to the Netherlands and his mesmerizing setup for Julian Alvarez within the semifinals in opposition to Croatia.
With Argentina set to face Uruguay and Brazil within the World Cup Qualifiers in March 2025, the Inter Miami captain has the chance to surpass Donovan and declare the file outright. His focus stays on guiding Lionel Scaloni’s facet to a different profitable marketing campaign and sustaining their dominance atop the CONMEBOL standings.
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