When Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini, captain of Argentina national football team delivered two pinpoint passes on Tuesday, he didn’t just add to a 6‑0 rout of Puerto Rico – he rewrote history, pushing his assist tally to a staggering 60 and eclipsing Brazil’s Neymar.
The match unfolded at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 14 October 2025, 7:00 PM ET. Originally slated for Soldier Field in Chicago, the friendly was shunted south after Chicago officials blamed weak ticket sales while the Argentine Soccer Federation (AFA) cited an immigration sweep that had netted more than 1,000 arrests in the area. The dispute left fans bewildered but the game itself turned into a showcase of Argentine firepower.
Background and Relocation Drama
Plans for the international friendly were announced in early September, with both federations hoping the fixture would give their squads a final tune‑up before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. When the Chicago venue was pulled, the logistical scramble landed the match at Chase Stadium – a 21,000‑seat ground that still had about 15,000 fans trickling in at kickoff. Ticket prices dipped to $25, a rarity for any Messi‑laden encounter, which helped fill the stadium after a slow start.
Referee Ismail Elfath, a Texas‑based FIFA official since 2014, oversaw a game that quickly turned from a low‑key warm‑up into a record‑making night.
Match Chronology: Goals and Record‑Breaking Assist
The early moments suggested Puerto Rico might surprise everyone. In the 8th minute, 24‑year‑old forward Leandro Antonetti stole the ball from Messi in Argentina’s half and launched a 60‑yard screamer that forced Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez to scramble his fingertips across the line. The Argentine keeper, who plies his trade with Aston Villa, kept the scores level, but the rhythm had shifted.
Six minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, opened the scoring. A Messi shot rattled the cross‑bar, and a quick volley from Nico González found the net. Mac Allister would add a second on 36 minutes, finishing a slick exchange that started with Messi’s drift, moved through González, and culminated with the Argentine’s clinical strike.
The 23rd minute delivered the night’s first Messi‑direct assist. From the right flank, Messi flicked a soft lob that landed on right‑back Gonzalo Montiel. Montiel volleyed home, giving Argentina a 2‑0 lead.
Half‑time saw the score at 2‑0, but the Argentine onslaught was far from over. In the 64th minute, Puerto Rican defender Steven Echevarria inadvertently turned a cross into his own net, nudging the tally to three.
The final surge came from Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez. He struck in the 79th minute and again in the 84th, the latter set up by a crafty back‑pass from Messi – his second assist of the night and the one that pushed his career total to 60, sealing the world record.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
“It feels surreal,” Messi said in the post‑match interview. “To be part of something that adds to the history of the game, especially while we’re getting ready for the World Cup, is a huge honor.”
Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his squad’s execution. “We wanted to test our rhythm, our defensive shape and our attacking options. The goals show we have several avenues to score, and Lionel’s vision continues to be a gift for us.”
Puerto Rico’s head coach, Jorge Pérez, admitted the gulf in class was evident but highlighted the experience gained. “Playing against a side led by Lionel Messi is a lesson for our young players. We’ll take the positives and improve ahead of future CONCACAF qualifiers.”
Implications for the 2026 World Cup Campaign
Argentina sits third in the FIFA World Rankings, a comfortable position that reflects its recent Copa America triumph and a strong qualifying run. The 6‑0 win against a 155‑ranked Puerto Rico squad, composed largely of college athletes, isn’t a direct predictor of World Cup success, yet it underscores Argentina’s attacking depth.
With the United States, Canada and Mexico set to co‑host the 2026 tournament, Argentina will face a mix of familiar rivals and emerging CONCACAF sides. The record‑breaking assist adds a psychological edge – opponents now know Messi can still dictate play at 38, while his compatriots, especially the younger Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, are benefitting from his leadership.
Meanwhile, the United States has been tangled in political drama. On the same day, former President Donald Trump threatened to relocate World Cup matches, a move that added a layer of uncertainty to the tournament’s planning. Argentina’s clean sheet and confidence‑boosting win may prove timely as the global football calendar navigates these distractions.
Key Facts
- Match date: 14 October 2025, 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- Final score: Argentina 6 – 0 Puerto Rico
- Messi’s assist total: 60 (world record, surpassing Neymar’s 59)
- Goal scorers: Mac Allister (2), Montiel, Echevarria (own goal), Lautaro Martínez (2)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s new assist record affect Argentina’s World Cup odds?
The record highlights Messi’s enduring playmaking ability, reassuring fans and analysts that Argentina can still rely on his vision against top‑tier opponents. While odds are also shaped by defensive solidity and squad depth, the milestone adds a psychological boost that could translate into tighter performances in the 2026 tournament.
Why was the friendly moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
Chicago officials blamed low ticket sales, whereas the Argentine federation pointed to a recent immigration crackdown that resulted in over 1,000 arrests in the area. With both sides offering conflicting explanations, the AFA opted for the logistically smoother venue in Fort Lauderdale.
Who were the standout players for Puerto Rico despite the loss?
Forward Leandro Antonetti sparked the early excitement with a 60‑yard effort that forced a spectacular save from Martínez. Defender Steven Echevarria, though unfortunate with an own goal, showed resilience throughout the match, and midfielder Joel Serrano displayed decent ball distribution against a high‑pressing Argentine side.
What does the match reveal about Argentina’s defensive form?
Argentina kept a clean sheet, with Emiliano Martínez making several crucial interventions, including the early line‑save from Antonetti’s strike. The back‑line of Montiel, Romero, Molina and Tagliafico showed cohesion, suggesting the defensive unit is sharpening ahead of the World Cup.
Will the political controversy around the 2026 World Cup affect team preparations?
The threat by former President Donald Trump to relocate matches added a layer of uncertainty, but national teams, including Argentina, have largely insulated their training camps from political debate. The focus remains on tactical refinement and player fitness, though logistics for the tournament could see adjustments if the political situation escalates.