Lionel Messi’s assist to Lautaro Martinez on Tuesday night in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Peru brought him 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 his 58th assist on the international stage, equaling the international men’s record held by former United States star Landon Donavon.
Messi found Martinez through a crowded Peruvian backline at La Bombonera, with the striker tactfully striking the ball into the back of the net, with a brilliant volley. The goal was also Martinez’s 32nd, equaling the number of goals scored by Diego Maradona.
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.
Meanwhile, 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.
