Lionel Messi Hits 400 Assists Milestone in Inter Miami's Playoff Triumph

Lionel Messi etched his name further into football history on Sunday, delivering a masterful performance as Inter Miami crushed Nashville SC 4-0 in the MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar reached a remarkable 400 career assists, a feat confirmed by MLS and Opta, across 1,133 professional matches. The milestone assist came in the 74th minute, setting up Leonardo Campana with a pinpoint pass that sealed Miami’s dominant victory and their historic progression to the semifinals.

Messi also scored twice, in the 10th and 39th minutes, showcasing his enduring brilliance. His contributions—894 goals and now 400 assists—translate to 1,294 total goal contributions, surpassing the legendary Ferenc Puskás’s estimated 404 assists from the mid-20th century. Playing in Inter Miami’s distinctive pink kit, Messi’s performance silenced the GEODIS Park crowd, marking the club’s first playoff series win.

The victory, highlighted by Messi’s brace and playmaking, positions Inter Miami to face FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Coach Javier Mascherano praised the team’s intensity, while Messi’s milestone underscores his status as a generational talent, blending scoring and vision at an age when most players fade.