By Peter.
Lionel Messi has etched his name deeper into football lore, becoming the all-time leader in career assists with 405 after setting up teammate Mateo Silvetti in Inter Miami’s dominant 5–1 MLS Cup semifinal victory over New York City FC on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
The 38-year-old Argentine, playing his first MLS Cup final next Saturday, December 6, against Vancouver Whitecaps, overtook Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás (404) with the 67th-minute pass—his second assist of the match. Messi, who drew level with Puskás earlier in the game, now boasts an unmatched 896 goals + 405 assists = 1,301 total contributions, solidifying his status as the most creative and prolific player in history.
Updated All-Time Assists Leaders
Here’s the refreshed top 10, spanning club and international careers:
| Rank | Player | Career Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi (ARG) | 405 |
| 2 | Ferenc Puskás (HUN) | 404 |
| 3 | Pelé (BRA) | 369 |
| 4 | Johan Cruyff (NED) | 358 |
| 5 | Thomas Müller (GER) | 352 |
| 6 | Luis Suárez (URU) | 317 |
| 7 | Kevin De Bruyne (BEL) | 316 |
| 8 | Ángel Di María (ARG) | 313 |
| 9 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | 304 |
| 10 | Luís Figo (POR) | 283 |
Messi’s milestone caps a stellar MLS playoff run: 5 goals and 3 assists in three games, including a hat-trick in the quarters. Inter Miami, his club since 2023, eyes the franchise’s first trophy.
At 38, Messi’s magic endures—congrats to the GOAT! 🐐⚽
#LionelMessi #MessiAssistsRecord #InterMiami #MLSCup #FootballHistory
