<p>In a moment that further cements <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a></strong>’s legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of soccer, the 37-year-old Argentine superstar <strong>tied an impressive all-time record </strong>during a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Peru in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. While Messi’s brilliance on the field is no longer a surprise, the record he matched belongs to a name etched in US soccer folklore, adding an intriguing twist to the story.</p>



<p>The match between Argentina and Peru, held as part of the ongoing CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, was anything but easy for the reigning world champions. With La Albiceleste struggling to break down the visitors’ resolute defense, it took a moment of magic from their captain to secure the win.</p>



<p>Ten minutes into the second half, Messi showcased his trademark vision and skill. Dribbling past three defenders with ease, he <strong>delivered a curling cross</strong> into the penalty area. <strong>Lautaro Martinez</strong> met the ball with a stunning half-volley, sending it into the top-right corner of the net. This decisive goal not only secured Argentina’s place at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points from 12 matches but also marked a significant personal milestone for the MLS icon.</p>



<p>The assist was Messi’s 58th in international soccer, a figure that now ties him with a USMNT legend for the most assists in men’s international soccer history.</p>



<h2>USMNT legend in record books</h2>



<p>The record Messi matched belongs to none other than&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/landon-donovan/">Landon Donovan</a></strong>, an icon of American soccer. Donovan achieved his 58 assists across a 14-year career with the <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/usmnt/">U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT)</a></strong>, during which he became synonymous with success in North American soccer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241120_WST_540518_Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-1200x675_1d4bad4c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-540520" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Lionel-Messi-ties-USMNT-legend-Landon-Donovans-historic-record-When-can-Argentina-hero-become-player-with-most-international-assists-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Donovan’s legacy includes appearances in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, and 2010) and four CONCACAF Gold Cup titles. He also played a pivotal role in the United States’ runner-up finish in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Known for his versatility and consistency, Donovan’s contributions shaped the trajectory of soccer in the United States.</p>



<p><em>“Donovan’s ability to create opportunities and change games is unmatched in American soccer history,”</em>&nbsp;noted analysts when reflecting on his influence. For the Argentine superstar to tie this record highlights his enduring brilliance on the global stage and underscores his ability to impact games beyond scoring goals.</p>



<h2>When can Messi break Donovan’s record?</h2>



<p>This milestone is another chapter in Messi’s unparalleled journey with Argentina. Since making his international debut in 2005, Messi has built a record-breaking career. He is Argentina’s all-time top scorer, assist provider and appearance leader. Among his accolades are becoming the leading scorer in South American qualifiers (34 goals) and setting the record for the most matches played in FIFA World Cup history (26).</p>



<p>Messi’s 58 assists span nearly two decades, featuring crucial contributions in World Cup qualifiers, Copa America tournaments, and the World Cup. Iconic moments include his pass to Nahuel Molina in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals against the Netherlands and his mesmerizing setup for Julian Alvarez in the semifinals against Croatia.</p>



<p>With Argentina set to face Uruguay and Brazil in the World Cup Qualifiers in March 2025, the Inter Miami captain has the opportunity to surpass Donovan and claim the record outright. His focus remains on guiding Lionel Scaloni’s side to another successful campaign and maintaining their dominance atop the CONMEBOL standings.</p>

Lionel Messi ties USMNT legend Landon Donovan's historic record: When can Argentina hero become player with most international assists?

Lionel Messi ties USMNT legend Landon Donovan's historic record: When can Argentina hero become player with most international assists? - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<p>It seems like Real Madrid will shatter many records on their way to accepting the La Liga championship trophy under Carlo Ancelotti.</p>



<p>With the help of the Italian manager, the team has already won the Spanish Cup, and La Liga, and advanced to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/win-win-madrid-to-pay-dortmund-if-they-beat-them-in-final/">Champions League Final</a> this season. Earning a seventh league victory overall, this was Ancelotti’s second time winning <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-la-liga-on-us-tv-and-internet/">La Liga</a>.</p>



<p>So, almost, but not quite, will it be remembered as their finest season. Los Blancos already have the title in their grasp, but it still hasn’t satisfied their ravenous appetite. Their most recent match was meaningless, but they still managed to pull off their greatest triumph of the season, a 5-0 win against Alves.</p>



<p>The 64-year-old manager, on the other hand, ranked his 2023-24 championship as his finest league season to date. “Without a doubt, it is my best league,” <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/ancelotti-el-balon-esta-enamorado-de-guler-n/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he told media</a>. “We have won the league with merit. They have waited for our puncture and there has not been one. Now we have to continue.”</p>



<h2>Ancelotti helps shatter a 112-year-old record at Real Madrid</h2>



<p>Curiously, <a href="https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/football/first-team/latest-news/una-liga-historica-record-de-partidos-sin-encajar-gol-y-la-mejor-racha-invicto-15-05-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data and statistics support his argument</a>. The Spanish powerhouses set several milestones on their route to the championship; the most impressive of which was their best-ever league total of 20 clean sheets.</p>



<p>In their encounter against Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Whites set a new record. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ancelotti-may-face-4-years-in-spanish-prison-due-to-unpaid-taxes-20240306-WST-493348.html">Ancelotti</a>‘s squad has now preserved a clean sheet 20 times this season. Their 19 clean sheets in the 2019-20, 1987-88, and 1986-87 seasons were the greatest in the club’s 122-year existence. Now these have been surpassed.</p>



<p>“It is a very significant fact that rewards collective work. A big part of this team’s success is there,” Ancelotti stressed after the game.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240516_WST_507167_Militao-Ancelotti-1200x670_1079cc8f.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-507197" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Militao-Ancelotti-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Militao-Ancelotti-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Militao-Ancelotti-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Militao-Ancelotti.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Also, they have only let in 22 goals all season. In the history of La Liga with 18 or more clubs (34 matchdays), they have a chance to finish with the fewest goals allowed. Both the 1982-83 and 2019-20 Madrid teams had the greatest record with 25 allowed goals in 34 games.</p>



<h2>Close numbers to Mourinho’s era</h2>



<p>Moreover, with a victory in their last game, the team has a shot at 99 points, <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/la-liga-perfecta-n/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diario AS</a> add. It will be one point fewer than its best-ever total of 100 points, achieved in the 2011-12 season under Jose Mourinho.</p>



<p>While playing against the Blue and Whites, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Madrid</a> tied their record for the longest league winning streak ever. The Spanish powerhouses have broken the record for most consecutive games without a loss, which dates back to April 1989.</p>



<p>With their current streak, they have won 24 games and drawn just six. The run began on 27 September 2023. The 36th league title is due in large part to this stellar record.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, when it comes to the offensive department, the Whites attackers haven’t let up. A total of 18 players have scored this season, with 14 of them coming in the Spanish league alone. Only Militao, Nacho, and Alaba from the first squad have failed to find the back of the net this season.</p>



<p>Vinicius, Bellingham, Joselu, Rodrygo, and Brahim are the five players who have scored 10 goals thus far in the season. And among the league’s scorers with two digits, three names stand out: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/madrid-to-adjust-bellinghams-role-to-make-room-for-bayer-star/">Bellingham</a> (19), Vinicius (15), and Rodrygo (10). In fact, except for their season opener against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti’s players have scored in every game this campaign.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Best season ever? Ancelotti's Madrid breaks incredible records

It seems like Real Madrid will shatter many records on their way to accepting the La Liga championship trophy under Carlo Ancelotti.


<p>Ted Lasso season three began <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/apple-announces-launch-date-for-ted-lasso-season-three-20230214-WST-419726.html">this past Wednesday</a>, and the premiere set records in terms of the hit show’s viewership. Granted, this is largely compared to the show’s second season, which truly garnered hit status with millions following the show.</p>



<p>Samba TV is an audience analytics company that measures three million US households weighted against the US population. According to the company and a <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ted-lasso-season-3-premiere-123000184.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report from Yahoo</a>, 870,000 people viewed the first episode of Ted Lasso’s third, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/why-ted-lasso-season-3-could-be-the-end-of-the-apple-tv-series-20230307-WST-422536.html">potentially final, season</a> within the first four days of its debut. Note that Samba does not measure mobile viewership, which could be high given the show airs on Apple TV+.</p>


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<p>However, this near-900,000 viewership is up 59% compared to the 546,000 households that watched the first episode of Ted Lasso season two in the same timeframe. For reference, the season two premiere of Ted Lasso yielded a <a href="https://observer.com/2021/07/apple-tv-plus-ted-lasso-season-2-viewership-ratings-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">six-times increase</a> compared to the viewership in season one. So, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ted-lasso-season-three-details-announced-20230119-WST-416142.html">season three of Ted Lasso</a> would be, by extension, some of the biggest viewership yet.</p>



<p>Something to keep in mind, though is that Apple has not stated anything about the viewership numbers for its opening week of the third season. It did, however, say the launch of season two was the biggest back when it launched in 2021. Both back then for season two and now for season three, Apple did not put out any specific numbers for viewership or subscriber count.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maybe’s it the magic of three, maybe it’s climate change, but this season feels different.<br><br>Here we go!</p>— Ted Lasso (@TedLasso) <a href="https://twitter.com/TedLasso/status/1635810413651857408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Ted Lasso season three sets premiere records</h2>



<p>The second season of Ted Lasso left fans wanting more. Nate Shelley, formerly an assistant under Lasso, took the job at West Ham. The Hammers look poised for success under the novice manager. On the other end of the table, AFC Richmond is pinged by favorites to suffer relegation. Not to fear, the always-positive Ted Lasso hopes the best for his club.</p>



<p>The show releases a new episode every Wednesday. In total, the third season will have 12 episodes, making the season finale available on May 31.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: Apple</em></p>


Ted Lasso season three debuted this past Wednesday, and based on one analytical company's estimate, it set personal records for views.

Ted Lasso season three sets records for show's premiere


<p>The return of the Champions League and Europa League in 2023 paid major dividends for CBS and its streaming platform, <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/vnzRry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paramount+</a>, with some records broken. There were a number of major games in both competitions. Namely, those were the Real Madrid game at Liverpool and Manchester City’s draw with RB Leipzig. In the Europa League, Manchester United hosted FC Barcelona. </p>



<p>Each of those games finished towards the top of TV and streaming viewership in some regard. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-beat-porto-leipzig-fight-back-for-draw-against-man-city-20230222-WST-420928.html">Leipzig-City game</a> on Wednesday was on CBS, and it reached 892,000 viewers. That is the second-most viewers for a round of 16 Champions League game on US TV. Only the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-shocks-liverpool-napoli-dominates-in-champions-league-20230221-WST-420769.html">Real Madrid victory at Anfield</a> could usurp that game in terms of round of 16 games on US TV. That game had 946,000 viewers. That game holds the record for round of 16 games on US TV. </p>



<p>In terms of streaming, this Real Madrid game at Liverpool set a record for Paramount+. It was the most-streamed round of 16 game on CBS’s paid-streaming service. </p>



<p>Moreover, the Europa League second leg between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/man-utd-defeat-barca-to-advance-in-europa-league-20230223-WST-421126.html">Manchester United and Barcelona</a> was the most-streamed Europa League match on Paramount+. Manchester United advanced, likely bringing more eyes to the future knockout stages of the Europa League.</p>



<h2>Champions League records a good sign for CBS</h2>



<p>CBS and Paramount+ will welcome the viewership. On one hand, it demonstrates the popularity of the UEFA club competitions. Yet, more or less, this was already known. CBS averaged just shy of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/02/most-watched-champions-league-final-in-us-history/">3 million viewers on TV</a> during this past season’s Champions League Final. </p>



<p>However, the fact that earlier ties in the Champions League can muster such strong numbers shows what CBS is capable of. The studio show goes a long way for that. On Twitter alone, the studio show’s Mixer section had 235,000 views.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 In The Mixer is BACK! 🚨<br><br>😰 Most nervous moment?<br>🦸‍♂️ Favorite superhero?<br>🤑 Join your arch-rival for triple the money?<a href="https://twitter.com/kate_abdo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kate_abdo</a> gets Thierry, <a href="https://twitter.com/MicahRichards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MicahRichards</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Carra23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Carra23</a> to give some DEEP answers. 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/yyFLSpu3eD">pic.twitter.com/yyFLSpu3eD</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1628541539562696705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The Champions League and Europa League return to CBS’s outlets on March 7.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Noah Wedel</em></p>


CBS set records for its Champions League and Europa League coverage on both TV and streaming this past week.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Records"

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Lionel Messi ties USMNT legend Landon Donovan's historic record: When can Argentina hero become player with most international assists?

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Best season ever? Ancelotti's Madrid breaks incredible records

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Ted Lasso season three sets records for show's premiere

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CBS and Paramount+ break Champions League records