Messi Sets Assist Record as Argentina Beats Puerto Rico 6-0 at Fort Lauderdale
When Lionel Andrés Messi, captain of Argentina national team delivered his 60th international assist, the crowd at Chase Stadium erupted as Argentina routed Puerto Rico 6‑0 on Oct 14, 2025.
Match Overview: A Dominant Display
The friendly, officially titled Argentina vs. Puerto Rico International FriendlyFort Lauderdale, Florida, was originally slated for Soldier Field in Chicago but was shuffled to Fort Lauderdale after ticket sales lagged. Despite the venue change, about 18,500 fans turned up, filling most of the 21,000‑seat arena.
From the first whistle, Argentina looked hungry. Alexis Mac Allister, the 26‑year‑old Liverpool midfielder, opened the scoring with a crisp header in the 14th minute. Ten minutes later, Gonzalo Montiel slipped home on a clever pass from Messi, marking the first of the Argentine captain’s two assists.
Record‑Breaking Moment: Messi’s 60th Assist
The night’s headline, however, was Messi’s back‑heel assist to Lautaro Martínez for his second goal in the 89th minute. That pass nudged Messi past Brazilian legend Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior and set a new benchmark of 60 career international assists.
"It feels surreal," Messi told reporters after the match. "To break a record that Neymar held for years, and to do it with my teammates giving everything—that’s the dream." The assist came after a quick give‑and‑go in the box, with Messi flicking the ball back to Martínez, who slotted it cleanly. The stadium’s roar was deafening, a mix of admiration for the veteran and excitement for the future.
Player Performances and Debuts
Mac Allister added a second goal just before halftime, cementing his status as a late‑season revelation for Liverpool. His movement, described by London‑based journalist Liam McPherson as "commanding" and "instrumental," showcased why he’s become a staple in Argentina’s midfield.
Four newcomers earned their first caps under head coach Lionel Sebastián Scaloni, the 47‑year‑old architect of Argentina’s recent successes. Scaloni, speaking at a post‑match press conference on Oct 15, said: "We know what it means for newcomers to join the national team for the first time. We all feel nervous when we make our debut wearing this shirt. That's why we try to make sure they enjoy themselves during the first few days."
In the second half, an own goal by Puerto Rico defender Steven Echevarria in the 64th minute extended the lead. Martínez then struck twice, finishing the night with a brace that highlighted his sharp instincts at Inter Milan.
Halftime Show Mystery: Who Will Take the Stage?
Fans also wondered about the halftime entertainment. Maria Fernández, Director of Event Operations at Chase Stadium, clarified that the performer is typically announced close to matchday, and no official name had been released at the time of writing. She added that recent high‑profile events at the venue have featured Latin‑genre superstars such as Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Maluma.
Given the stadium’s track record of drawing big names for soccer spectacles, speculation ran rampant on social media. Some fans suggested a reggaeton act, while others hoped for a surprise appearance by a pop star to celebrate Messi’s milestone. The lack of an official announcement kept the buzz alive, adding another layer of excitement to an already electric atmosphere.
Bigger Picture: World Cup Qualifier Prep
The friendly was part of Argentina’s buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Argentine Football Association (Asociación del Fútbol Argentino) and the Puerto Rican Football Federation (Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol) co‑organized the event, with the match serving as a tactical rehearsal ahead of Argentina’s next qualifier against Bolivia on Nov 15, 2025, at Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz.
Scaloni emphasized that the 6‑0 win provided a confidence boost, especially for the debutants who now have a taste of senior‑level competition. "We want to go into La Paz knowing we can control the game," he said, referring to the high altitude challenges that await.
What’s Next for Argentina and Puerto Rico
Argentina will travel to Bolivia for their next qualifier, while Puerto Rico looks to regroup after a heavy loss. The Puerto Rican Football Federation plans a series of friendlies against Caribbean rivals to rebuild morale.
Meanwhile, Messi’s record will likely spark discussions about his place in the all‑time greats list, especially as he approaches what many speculate could be his final World Cup appearance.
Key Facts
- Final score: Argentina 6, Puerto Rico 0
- Messi’s 60th international assist – a new world record
- Four Argentina debutants earned their first caps
- Match relocated from Chicago to Chase Stadium due to low ticket sales
- Attendance: ~18,500 spectators
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s assist record affect his legacy?
Breaking Neymar’s 59‑assist mark elevates Messi from a prolific scorer to a dual‑threat playmaker, underscoring his versatility and cementing his status among the sport’s all‑time greats. Analysts note that the record adds weight to his Hall‑of‑Fame résumé as he heads into potentially his last World Cup.
Who were the debutants for Argentina and why are they important?
The four newcomers—midfielder Facundo Pellistri, defender Nicolás Tagliafico, and two others yet to be named—provide depth ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. Their exposure to senior international play helps Scaloni evaluate squad options and ensures a smoother transition when veteran players rotate.
Why was the match moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
Ticket sales for the original venue, Soldier Field, fell short of expectations, prompting the Argentine Football Association and the Puerto Rican Federation to relocate to a market with a stronger soccer fan base. Chase Stadium’s proven ability to host marquee events made it a logical backup, and the move ultimately delivered a near‑full house.
What does the halftime show situation tell us about event planning?
Stadium officials often keep performer line‑ups under wraps to generate buzz and manage contractual privacy. In this case, Maria Fernández’s comment reflects a standard practice—announcing the act close to matchday ensures flexibility and maximizes promotional impact, especially when the headliner’s profile aligns with the audience’s tastes.
How will this result influence Argentina’s next qualifier against Bolivia?
The commanding win boosts confidence, particularly for the new caps, and offers Scaloni a chance to fine‑tune tactics. However, playing at La Paz’s high altitude presents a different challenge, so the team will likely focus on stamina and set‑piece efficiency in the weeks leading up to the Nov 15 match.
