Doing so saw Messi’s assist tally in an La Albiceleste shirt rise to 60. That was enough to take the Argentine clear of Brazil’s Neymar, who boasted 59, as well as the 58 racked up by U.S men’s national team star Landon Donovan, establishing himself as the most prolific creator in recorded international soccer history, per ESPN.

Messi has shown few signs of slowing down during the twilight of his staggering career. The culmination of his majesty manifested in Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as he inspired Argentina to their first triumph for 36 years off the back of an outstanding individual campaign.

For the Boricuas, it will be a unique opportunity to test themselves against the world champions.