'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In a career that has spanned 17 splendid years, Lionel Messi has gone on to claim every piece of silverware under the sun in club football. And the little Argentine has done so in style, amassing gargantuan numbers that are likely to remain untouched for quite some time now. Having scored just one goal with his current employers Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Lionel Messi's career statistics stand at 673 goals and 301 assists. Freakish stats, indeed.
Lionel Messi has had some legendary attacking partners over the years
Great footballers often tend to have quality players around them, who help in bringing out the best version of the said player. Barring his final few seasons at Barcelona, Lionel Messi is no exception to this phenomenon. From his mentor Ronaldinho to his Brazilian mate Neymar, La Pulga has had the cream of the bunch as his teammates.
The magisterial forward experienced the prime of his career under the genius of Pep Guardiola, whose guidance was a key factor in Lionel Messi's rise to prominence. Under his regime, the dribbling maestro got the opportunity to link up with the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Thierry Henry, David Villa and many more.
With such legendary names to have shared the dressing room with him, a man with his talents and commitment was bound to succeed at football. Understandably, the Argentine has his favorites, combining more often with a set group of players than the rest. With this notion on our minds, let's take a look at five players who have assisted Lionel Messi the most:
#5 Pedro - 25 assists
An unlikely entry into fifth place, Pedro is often overlooked when discussions about the untouchable Barcelona side of the early 2010s are held. However, with three Champions League wins, a World Cup title and 176 career goals, Pedro is easily one of the most talented players of the modern generation.
Similar to Lionel Messi, Pedro was also a product of the esteemed La Masia, graduating in 2008 when he officially signed a contract with the first team. He famously displaced Thierry Henry upon his arrival, with Pep Guardiola deciding to offload the Frenchman in order to incorporate Pedro.
The Spanish playmaker repaid his manager's trust in style, delivering consistently throughout his Barcelona career. Pedro, along with David Villa and Lionel Messi, led the Blaugrana's attacking line for many seasons, forming a special bond with the latter. In 270 games with the Argentine, the current Lazio man laid out 25 assists for Lionel Messi.
#4 Xavi - 31 assists
Regarded as one of the best Spanish players to have ever laced a pair of boots, Xavi is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of all time. His sublime genius that enabled him to find and exploit spaces on whim made him absolutely essential to Spain as well as Barcelona's success.
A deep-lying playmaker of his own kind, Xavi spent 17 years with the senior squad of Barcelona, greatly inspiring the La Masia youngsters. One such prodigy turned out to be none other than Lionel Messi, who went on to play 399 games alongside the Catalan veteran.
In the said duration, the duo had a joint goal contribution of 43, with 31 of those being assists by Xavi. While any player would count himself lucky to share the pitch with Lionel Messi now, it was the Argentine who was fortunate enough to have partnered Xavi.
Also read: 5 times Lionel Messi saved Argentina
#3 Andres Iniesta - 37 assists
A certified big-game player, Andres Iniesta is one of the best footballers that Lionel Messi has ever played ball with. The third and equally essential part of one of the most renowned trio in world football, Iniesta acted as the mediator between the aforementioned Xavi and Messi.
Born in Albacete, Iniesta joined the esteemed La Masia at the early age of 12. There, he was hailed for his versatility and unconventional technical abilities that distinguished him from his team-mates. He reached the pinnacle of football under Pep Guardiola, establishing himself as an integral part of the fabled midfield containing Xavi and Sergio Busquets besides himself.
His ability to read the game and drive the ball forward accordingly often created chances for his team-mates. Combining Lionel Messi's exceptional offensive awareness with his innovation resulted in a deadly attacking duo that regularly wreaked havoc in the opposition halves. In his 14-year association with the Argentine, Iniesta managed to lay out 37 assists for Lionel Messi.
#2 Dani Alves - 42 assists
No matter how much praise you throw at Dani Alves, the legendary right-back will always remain underrated, considering his varying array of talents. Equally adept in attacking as well as defensive play, Alves was considered to be a real threat by his opponents.
With Lionel Messi on the right flank, the duo used to terrorize opposition defenses during their prime. Their one-two passes, while simple on the eye, used to bamboozle their rivals. Having created a telepathic bond with the Argentine, Alves also produced the numbers to back his connection.
Over a period of eight seasons, the Brazilian full-back provided 42 assists to Lionel Messi. His tally made him La Pulga's most reliable attacking partner until the arrival of a certain Uruguayan. At the ripe old age of 38, Alves is yet to hang up his boots.
#1 Luis Suarez - 47 assists
No surprises here, as Luis Suarez has been with Lionel Messi through thick and thin. The Uruguayan forward has to go down in history as the best attacking partner to ever assist the little Argentine. Suarez managed to lay down 47 assists in the span of six seasons, proving his unparalleled class.
Part of the fabled 'MSN' trident, Suarez was arguably the most important member of the last functioning Barcelona side, aside from Lionel Messi, of course. During his time in Catalonia, El Pistolero racked up 195 goals and a further 113 assists to attain third position in Barcelona's all-time scoring charts.
An absolute fan-favorite, Suarez was ousted from the club after their humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich. Undeservingly tagged as a scapegoat, the seasoned striker was deemed surplus to requirements in an extremely disrespectful manner. He eventually rubbed salt into Barcelona's wounds after being sold to rivals Atletico Madrid as he helped Diego Simeone's men win the league title with 21 goals last season. Despite his uneven history with Barcelona, Suarez's partnership with Lionel Messi has etched its way into the hearts of the football fraternity.
Also read: 5 players who did not deserve to play for Barcelona
