Lionel Messi and the Top 7 Assisters Across World Football in 2024

• Lionel Messi broke two records in Inter Miami's win over the New York Red Bulls
• He recorded the most assists in a single MLS match with Saturday's performance
• Sports Brief looks at the top seven players with the highest number of assists this year

Lionel Messi dazzled for Inter Miami during their match on Saturday, marking a historic evening.

The Argentine maestro notched a goal and provided five assists, propelling Inter Miami to a resounding 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls.

The illustrious eight-time Ballon d’Or winner not only showcased his brilliance as the game's best player but also established three new Major League Soccer records.

All three records—six goal contributions, five assists overall, and five assists in a single half—set by Messi in the MLS showcase his unmatched talent, per Yahoo Sports.

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Despite a delayed start to the season owing to injury, the 36-year-old has swiftly regained his form, emerging as the primary playmaker for his club.

Sports Brief delves into the top seven players who have delivered the highest number of assists across various competitions in 2024 thus far.

7. Alejandro Grimaldo – 11 assists

The Spaniard is in the midst of his most fruitful season yet, displaying no indication of deceleration.

As a wing-back for Bayer Leverkusen, he has evolved into a pivotal figure under Xabi Alonso's management, with his assists significantly contributing to clinching the Bundesliga title.

Generating an average of 2.5 chances per game, it's evident why Grimaldo stands among the most inventive players globally at present.

6. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – 11 assists

With standout performers such as Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Hilal has dominated the Saudi Pro League effortlessly this season.

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The club secured victory in 34 consecutive matches at one point, with players like the former Lazio star pivotal to this remarkable streak.

In the absence of Neymar, sidelined with an ACL injury, the towering Serbian midfielder has assumed the role of creative maestro, notching an impressive 11 assists in 2024 thus far.

5. Lionel Messi – 11 assists

What adds an extra layer of significance to Messi's presence on this roster is his considerably lower playing time compared to others.

The Barcelona legend maintains an average goal contribution every 39 minutes for Inter Miami in 2024.

Defenders find it impossible to contain him even as he enters his twilight years.

His recent performance may be deemed the highlight of the season thus far. Delivering five assists in a single match against the New York Red Bulls, the 36-year-old has truly made the MLS his personal domain.

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4. Angel Di Maria – 12 assists

Similar to his compatriot Messi, Di Maria continues to excel even in his thirties.

Accumulating 12 assists in this calendar year alone, the winger has outshone all others in the Portuguese league in terms of creativity.

As his contract with Benfica approaches its end by the end of the season, rumours are swirling about a potential sensational move to Inter Miami.

Such a transfer would undoubtedly add excitement to the mix.

3. Dries Mertens – 12 assists

Since his departure from Napoli in 2022, the Belgian forward has maintained his stellar performance for Galatasaray.

In the 2023-24 season alone, he has already contributed significantly with 25 goals.

Since the beginning of the year, he has also provided 12 assists, seven of which were made in his last seven appearances.

2. Oussama Idrissi – 13 assists

Having spent most of his career in the Eredivisie, Idrissi transitioned to Mexico last summer and has flourished ever since.

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The Dutch winger has proven to be a remarkable asset at Pachuca, delivering an impressive 13 assists in 2024 alone, narrowly missing out on the top spot.

1. Kevin De Bruyne – 15 assists

De Bruyne is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to assists.

Since his return from injury, the Man City playmaker has been in outstanding form, averaging an assist every 91 minutes, per Squawka.

It will require considerable effort to dethrone him from the top spot anytime soon.

Messi boosts Inter Miami with monster April

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi's incredible performances for Inter Miami last April.

He made an instant impact after returning from injury, recording six goals and four assists last month.

He recorded back-to-back braces against Nashville and New England.