Most assists in international football: Landon Donovan, Lionel Messi headline legendary list

Lionel Messi equalled the record for the most assists in international football in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Peru in Buenos Aires on November 19, 2024.

During their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers clash against Peru, Lionel Messi set up Lautaro Martinez’s sensational goal to register his 58th assist for the Argentina national football team and also match the record for the most assists in international football with United States men's national team legend Landon Donovan.

Former American footballer Landon Donovan also recorded 58 assists in his illustrious international football career.

Brazil national football team talisman Neymar is second on the list for the most assists in international football. He has already accumulated 57 assists in 126 appearances. 

The likes of Ferenc Puskas (53), Sandor Kocsis (50), Kevin De Bruyne (49), Pele (47), Mesut Ozil (40), Cristiano Ronaldo (37) and David Beckham (36) feature next on the legendary list.

Know players with the most assists in international football.

Most assists in international football

Landon Donovan | 58 assists

Landon Donovan previously held the record for the most assists in international football. Considered to be one of the greatest American football players of all time, Landon Donovan recorded 58 assists in 157 appearances between 2000 and 2014. Interestingly, Landon Donovan also shares the record with Clint Dempsey for the most international goals scored by a male USA player (57).

Lionel Messi | 58 assists

Lionel Messi recently matched Landon Donovan’s record for the most assists in international football. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi has accumulated 58 assists in 190 appearances for La Albiceleste. Additionally, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner also features second in the all-time top international goalscorers list behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has netted 112 goals for Argentina while Ronaldo tops the list with 135 goals.

Neymar | 57 assists

Former Brazil captain Neymar features third on the list for the most assists in international football. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Neymar has amassed 57 assists in just 126 appearances for the Brazil national football team. Furthermore, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top goalscorer in international football with 79 goals, two more than legendary Pele.

Photo credit: Imago