Lionel Messi’s assist to Lautaro Martinez on Tuesday night helped Argentina to another year-end victory and took the star striker one step closer to breaking another international record.

Messi’s 55th-minute assist during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Peru marked the captain’s 58th assist on the international stage, tying USMNT great Landon Donavon’s international men’s record.

The moment came when Messi found Martinez through a crowded Peruvian backline in La Bombonera. Martinez tactfully hit the ball into the back of the net with a brilliant volley that sent the local fans into a festive mood. The goal was also Martinez’s 32nd, equaling Diego Maradona’s most goals.

Assistance from Leo Messi (@InterMiamiCF) for the sweetest life in Argentina and paso empatar with Landon Donovan as maximum assistance with a large number of selections. 🐐🇦🇷

pic.twitter.com/82B7mD9o3S

— MLS Español (@MLSes) November 20, 2024

Argentina top the CONMEBOL standings in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 25 points in 12 games, five points ahead of second-place Uruguay and six ahead of third-place Ecuador.

It seems only a matter of time before Messi surpasses his and Donovan’s shared record. The next match on Argentina’s schedule is a pair of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March, when the team faces two tough opponents in Uruguay and Brazil.

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(Photo: Carlos Sipán / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images)