Argentine legend Lionel Messi has taken another step toward cementing his status as football’s greatest all-round player after registering his 400th career assist, edging closer to surpassing Ferenc Puskás as the most creative player in football history.
The Inter Miami captain reached the milestone during his side’s 4–0 victory over Nashville SC, setting up two goals for teammate Allende Tadeo in the 73rd and 76th minutes.
The double assist, confirmed by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, adds yet another chapter to Messi’s record-filled career.
Messi’s tally now stands at 400 assists across nearly two decades of professional football, spanning his unforgettable years at FC Barcelona, a brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain, and his current run in Major League Soccer (MLS).
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The only player above him remains Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, credited with 404 assists and 708 goals in 719 appearances.
If the 38-year-old continues his current form, it seems only a matter of time before he eclipses that mark, adding another crown to his glittering resume.
“What makes Messi extraordinary isn’t just the goals — it’s his vision,” said football analyst Odediran Daniel “He sees passes two or three moves ahead, and his consistency over 20 years is something we may never see again. Surpassing Puskás would only confirm his total mastery of the game.”
While many hailed Messi for his goal-scoring prowess, his creativity has equally been remarkable. At Barcelona, he formed part of one of football’s most feared attacking trios alongside Luis Suárez and Neymar, delivering 192 assists in all competitions.
On the international stage, he guided Argentina to Copa América and 2022 FIFA World Cup glory — both marked by decisive assists and leadership.
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The achievement also puts him ahead of modern greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo (304 assists), Thomas Müller (352), and Kevin De Bruyne (316), proving that even in his late 30s, Messi remains a class apart.
“Messi doesn’t just play for himself — he makes everyone around him better,” said Oladapo Joshua, a Nigerian fan. “Even now, he’s still creating goals like he did at 25.”
Since his senior debut in 2004, Messi has tallied over 800 career goals, 400 assists, eight Ballon d’Or titles, four Champions League trophies, and a World Cup victory.
His evolution from a dribbling winger to a deep-lying playmaker has redefined the modern forward.
As he closes in on Puskás’ long-standing record, one thing is clear: Lionel Messi’s story, and his magic, is far from over.
